Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency caused by a sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain which could be due to to blocked blood flow across blood vessels or a burst blood vessel.

A stroke is common beyond certain age with 75% of strokes occurring in the age group beyond 65 years. However, there is no age bar but the incidence increases with age with both male and female affected.

There are about 40,000 deaths in England each year with approximately 12000 occurring in East of England and Midlands.

The onset of stroke is sudden with loss of function due to brain damage and there is a high risk of death with possibly one third within a month of onset or major long term disabilities, such as paralysis, severe memory loss and communication problems. Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and help the recovery process.

The major symptoms are:

Facial weakness seen as one half of the face not moving and/or asymmetrical face at rest or unsmiling,

Arm weakness with loss of power and/or sensation in limbs on one side

Speech disturbance causing difficulty in finding proper words or slurred as if drunk, then it's

Time to call for help – time is brain loss.

If you suspect a stroke act FAST call 999

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

    • Transient - Temporary, usually less than 24 hours
  • Ischaemic - Lack of blood supply, usually due to a tiny blood clot
  • Attack - Brain attack

TIA present similar to a strokes but for a shorter duration with most improving by six hours and almost all symptoms and signs resolving by 24 hours. The risk factors are the same as for stroke but there is no disability beyond this 24 hours. However, as there are many different stroke or TIA mimics a doctor must be consulted to differentiate between them.

A TIA is also a medical emergency like angina before a heart attack because about 30% of strokes are preceded by a TIA so early presentation to a hospital may detect a preventable impending stroke by immediately starting preventative treatment and investigations.

Medical help should always be sought.