Stroke
A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain damage and possibly death.
Strokes are a medical emergency and prompt treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.
The NHS Stroke Act FAST pages offer a great deal of information about stroke, including how to recognise the signs, some real stories of stroke sufferers and advice on how to live your life after a stroke.
British Heart Foundation - What is a Stroke?
A stroke is when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. In this animation we explain what a stroke is and the risk factors associated with having one.
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or 'mini-stroke' is caused by a temporary fall in the blood supply to part of the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can cause symptoms that are similar to a stroke, although they don’t last as long. A TIA lasts only a few minutes and is usually resolved within 24 hours.
As TIAs are serious, it is important that they are always investigated so that appropriate treatment can be given quickly. With treatment, the risk of a further TIA or a full stroke can be greatly reduced.
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Local Links
BCP Stroke Support Co-ordination Service
BCP Council - Adult Social Care Factsheet providing information and advice to people in Poole who have had a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), their carers and families. It gives support to help sufferers make choices which will enable them to live as independently as possible after a stroke or TIA.
Different Strokes - Dorset Support Group
This UK charity runs a network of exercise and stroke support groups providing help for stroke survivors an their families. Each group is run by a volunteer-coordinator, many of whom are stroke survivors themselves. This local group meets in Moordown, Bournemouth, details can be found on this website.
Dorset Communication Support - Stroke Association
This association works with stroke survivors who are living with communication difficulties, such as Aphasia. It offers opportunities to develop communication strategies, help rebuild confidence and independence. Details of the local group which meets in Moordown Community Clinic, Bournemouth can be found on this website.
Dorset Speakability Group
This self-help group is run by and for people in Dorset with Aphasia- language loss - following a stroke, head injury or other neurological condition. The meetings are aimed to support each other, share experiences, make new friends, rebuild self-confidence and develop new skills. Details of the Poole group can be found on this website.
Poole Together for Stroke Group
'Mylifemycare' offers friendly chat, advice and signposting to other stroke related services. It serves residents in BCP areas BH12, BH13, BH14, BH15, BH16, BH17 (Canford Heath, Creeekmoor) through to BH18 Broadstone.
Stroke Support Services
This service provides support, education and advice for people across Dorset who have suffered a stroke, as well as for their families and carers. It aims to help people adjust to the life changes associated with a stroke and regain independence wherever possible. Local services are based at Victoria Hospital, Wimborne and Alderney Hospital, Poole - details of which may be found on this website. Please ask you doctor for a referral.
Useful Links
NHS - Stroke
Comprehensive information relating to symptoms of a stroke, causes, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and prevention.
Stroke Association UK
A national charity working to support the NHS and develop new ways to help stroke survivors rebuild their lives during difficult times.
Stroke Patient Handbook - Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS
This handbook has been developed with the help and input of people who have had a stroke, and their relatives, together with health and social care professionals.
Teen and Young Adult Stroke Survivors
'Different Strokes' Charity provides vital services and information that caters to the unique needs and wants of young stroke survivors in their teens and early twenties.
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These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.