Macksville Clinic - 2/12 Cooper St, Macksville, NSW, 2447 - Nambucca Heads Clinic - 20 Liston St, Nambucca Heads, NSW, 2448

Stroke

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.

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