Stroke

Act FAST

A stroke is a brain attack - a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disturbed.

The symptoms you would feel are significant dizziness together with difficulty in walking, talking, balance and co-ordination. You may feel your face is numb and you cannot use one side of your body properly. These are the telltale signs of stroke.

If someone suffers any or all of these symptoms you need to carry out a FAST check:
F - Facial weakness
Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
A - Arm weakness
Can the person raise both arms?
S - Speech problems
Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
T - Time to call 999
If the person has any one of these symptoms call an ambulance.

Case Study

John Alexander, 75, of Norwich, suffered a stroke in January 2010, but already he has hopes of playing tennis again like he used to.

It's all thanks to his wife Maureen spotting the signs of a stroke, remembering the FAST message, and calling the Ambulance Service promptly.

Mr Alexander recalled: "I was washing my hands when I felt a twinge in my head. I knew instantly that it was something serious. I collapsed and called my wife who called dialled 999.”

Mrs Alexander added: "I knew it was a stroke. Fortunately they had been putting adverts on the TV about strokes, including the FAST message."

At the hospital stroke specialists administered thrombolysis, a drug which dissolves the clots but which must be administered during the first three hours after a stroke has taken place - hence the need to act FAST.

After being discharged home Mr Alexander received intensive support and therapy in his own home from Norfolk Community Health and Care (NCH&C).

Mr Alexander said: "I have lost some of the use of my left leg and arm and have difficulty walking any distance. I also have a small blind spot on my left side. These are, however, all improving thanks to the support I have received.

How you can reduce your risk of a stroke

The World Stroke Organisation gives six top tips to reduce your risk:

1. Be aware if you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or high blood cholesterol
2. Be physically active and exercise regularly
3. Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet
4. Limit alcohol consumption
5. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, get help to stop now
6. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and how to take action (FAST).

GPs and some pharmacies in Norfolk are currently offering free NHS Health Checks which can help identify whether you are at risk of a stroke or other illnesses.

How stroke patients are cared for in Norfolk

Patients who receive the specialist care quickly recover sooner. This is why so much has been invested by NHS Norfolk, in partnership with clinicians across the county, in the last few years. Now:

Nearly 90% of people who need hospital treatment after suffering a stroke are now cared for on specialist stroke units in hospitals at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn.

A new 24-bed stroke rehabilitation unit, Mulberry Ward at Norwich Community Hospital, opened in January 2010, providing specialist care.

Both the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), King's Lynn provide thrombolysis (clot busting) services, where appropriate.

There are TIA clinics held at the NNUH and QEH to help prevent further strokes in patients who have had a “mini stroke” or Transient Ischaemic Attack

Atrial Fibrillation screening is being rolled out at GP Practices across Norfolk. This involves checking for irregular pulse rates in patients over 65 which may indicate they have a higher risk of stroke.

Stroke specialists meet regularly to plan services and review patient care to ensure the resources available are deployed as effectively as possible.

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Stroke

Act FAST

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