May is Action on Stroke month, which is a global campaign to raise awareness about strokes, their prevention, treatment and support for survivors.
Every five minutes, a stroke strikes. Around 100,000 people have a stroke each year and there are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK.
The aim of Action on Stroke Month
Raise awareness: By focusing on educating the public about the signs and symptoms of a stroke, its causes and what to do if someone is experiencing one.
Supporting Stroke Survivors: Action on stroke month provides resources and support to stroke survivors and their families.
Funding Research: The event also aims to raise funds for research into stroke prevention and treatment.
Make May Purple: Many individuals and organisations participate by wearing purple, the colour associated with stroke awareness, throughout May.
Symptoms of a stroke
- Facial weakness/drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb when asked to smile.
- Arm weakness: One arm may drift downwards when raised, indicating weakness.
- Speech problems: Slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or trouble understanding what others are saying.
- Vision changes: Blurred or double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
- Balance and coordination problems: Dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking.
- Severe headache: A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
- Confusion: Sudden confusion or memory loss.
Treatment of a stroke
Thrombolysis: A clot-busting drug like alteplase (tPA) is administered intravenously within a specific timeframe (usually 4.5 hours) to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow to the brain.
Thrombectomy: A surgical procedure where a catheter is used to remove the blood clot directly from the blocked artery.
Medications: Various medications are used to manage stroke risk factors, including:
- Antiplatelet medications: Like aspirin or clopidogrel, to prevent blood clots from forming.
- Anticoagulants: Like warfarin or newer oral anticoagulants, to prevent blood clots from forming or growing.
- Medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol: To reduce the risk of future strokes.
Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help regain lost skills and improve function after a stroke.
Surgical interventions: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the blood clot or drain excess fluid from the brain.
How we can help
We make care plans unique to each client, which is done in conjunction with relevant health care professionals such as hospitals, GPs, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and the client’s family.
Our aim is not only to support your loved one with recovery but also with social activities and family commitments, which help with the emotional effects of a stroke, as we know that recuperation can be much quicker in familiar surroundings.
Get in contact with the team at Synergy Complex Care to find out how our expert carers can support your loved one with long-term care after a stroke.