A stroke can happen suddenly. Would you know what to look for?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either because a blood vessel is blocked or because a blood vessel ruptures. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells can become damaged, affecting functions such as movement, speech and vision.
Recognising the warning signs and getting emergency medical help quickly matters. Stroke should always be treated as a medical emergency.
Remember FAST
One of the simplest ways to remember some of the most common signs of a stroke is FAST:
F – Face
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A – Arms
Ask them to raise both arms. Is one arm weak or does it drift down?
S – Speech
Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, difficult to understand or unusual?
T – Time
If you notice any of these signs, seek emergency medical help immediately. Note when the symptoms started, if possible.
You do not need to wait for several symptoms to appear before taking action. Stroke symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
Other signs of a stroke
FAST helps identify common stroke symptoms, but there may be other sudden warning signs, including:
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- A sudden, severe headache
The existing Intercare Health Hub article identifies these among the symptoms people should watch for.
What should you do if you suspect a stroke?
Do not wait to see whether the symptoms improve.
Call emergency medical services and explain that you suspect a stroke. If possible, note the time the symptoms started or the last time the person was known to be well. This information can help the medical team assess appropriate treatment options.
The earlier someone with a suspected stroke receives appropriate emergency assessment and treatment, the better. Some people with an ischaemic stroke may be eligible for specific time-sensitive treatments, which is why delays should be avoided.
Who is at risk of a stroke?
Stroke risk is influenced by several health and lifestyle factors. These include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Smoking
- A personal or family history of stroke
Managing health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, together with healthy lifestyle choices, can help reduce stroke risk.
What happens after a stroke?
Once the immediate medical emergency has been treated and a patient is medically stable, their needs will depend on how the stroke has affected them.
Some people may experience changes in:
- Mobility and balance
- Strength and physical function
- Speech and communication
- Swallowing
- Cognition
- Their ability to perform everyday activities
For patients who require further support, physical rehabilitation can form an important part of the next stage of care.
Physical rehabilitation after a stroke
Stroke physical rehabilitation is tailored to the individual. Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may involve physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical and nursing care, and other therapeutic interventions.
The goal is to support patients as they work towards improved function, mobility, communication and greater independence.
At Intercare Somerset West Physical Rehabilitation Hospital, for example, stroke physical rehabilitation is provided as part of a coordinated interdisciplinary approach. The hospital’s team includes doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, nurses, case managers, social workers and dietitians.
This is where I would subtly establish the wider Intercare credibility rather than heavily selling the hospitals throughout the article.
Recovery is a team effort
Physical rehabilitation after a stroke is not only about therapy sessions. Individual needs and recovery goals help guide the rehabilitation plan, while family and caregiver involvement can also play a role in education, rehabilitation discussions and planning for the transition home.
Intercare Physical Rehabilitation Hospitals support patients through this next stage of care, with a focus on restoring function, maximising independence and supporting quality of life.
Learn more about stroke physical rehabilitation and explore your care options with Intercare.
Sources:
National Stroke Association, American Stroke Association, NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke, Centers for Disease Control
Fostering recovery and restoring health
The four physical rehabilitation hospitals feature 36 to 52 beds, ensuring personalised attention and an intimate healing environment. Here, patients work towards regaining their strength, mobility, and independence under our multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals, including general medical practitioners, case managers, physiatrists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, dieticians and social workers. They all work together to create comprehensive, customised treatment plans.
Recover in an environment that offers best-practice care, facilities and comfort.
