WHAT IS A STROKE?
Your brain is supplied with oxygen via your blood. A stroke happens when blood cannot get to an area of your brain, this is due to either a blockage or burst of a blood vessel. Because your brain cells aren’t receiving the oxygen and nutrients needed they begin to die.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A STROKE?
- paralysis
- numbness or weakness in the arm, face, and leg, especially on one side of the body
- trouble communicating or understanding
- slurred speech
- vision problems
- Difficulty walking
- Confusion
- loss of balance or coordination
- dizziness
- severe, sudden headache with no known cause
If you think someone may be experiencing a stroke it is critical to get help straight away by calling 000.
HOW MAY A STROKE AFFECT ME?
The disability caused by the stroke depends on what area of the brain is affected. There may be changes in thinking, memory, perception, communication and/or physical disabilities. Physical disabilities may include; weakness, poor control, limited movement or spasticity. Mental health may also be impacted due to changes of the brain and/or the change in your abilities. Depression affects one out of every three stroke survivors, at any one time.
WHAT WILL MY STROKE REHABILITATION INVOLVE?
Stroke rehabilitation may include; gait (walking) retraining, targeted strengthening exercises, fine motor retraining, restraining from using the unaffected side and progressing through tasks with affected side, assisted movements, and/or mirror therapy. It is very important rehabilitation is provided as early as possible and at large quantities, as this is when the best improvements are had.