30th April 2021

The need for care after a stroke

A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is restricted or cut off. When a stroke occurs medical treatment is essential. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.

Post stroke it is of paramount importance to get expert intervention, regular physiotherapy and prescribed medication management for the stroke survivor, to have a good quality of life. In recognition of World Stroke Day, Terrablu takes the initiative to advocate the importance of care for stroke survivors.

Look out!

The most common signs of a stroke to look out for are the following:

• Balance is lost, with headaches and dizziness
• Eyes – blurry vision
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty

As per the Stroke Association UK here are a few tips to support a stroke survivor if you live apart:

• Keep in touch as much as you are able. A regular phone call to check on their wellbeing will make a difference.
• Video messaging and sending photos by messaging apps or emails can be a good way to show that you are thinking of them. You can also play simple games via video messaging too, for example, Yahtzee, Pictionary and Charades.
• If they don’t have access to the internet, write a short letter or a card or send photos in the post instead. Ask other friends or family members to do the same.
• If you have children in your family or friendship group, get them involved by asking them to design a card or draw a picture too.
• Encourage the person to sign up to My Stroke Guide so they can join an online stroke community.

Remember to be patient. Some people bounce back quickly, but for others the road to recovery is slower. Not all stroke effects are visible, and some stroke survivors might be feeling low or anxious, especially at this time. Other things like fatigue and communication problems might be making them feel even more vulnerable, overwhelmed and cut off.

It is vital that one seeks proper medical attention if you or someone you love is having the above mentioned symptoms; early detection and good care post stroke is vital for a successful recovery. Unfortunately the chances of a second stroke occurring increases in stroke survivors. According to The National Stroke Association, about 25% of stroke survivors will experience a second stroke within the first five years after the first stroke. The risk of facing a relapse is about 40% higher. Fortunately it is estimated that of all secondary strokes, about 80% of them are preventable with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating along with exercise intervention.

Therefore, it is important that all stroke survivors have a stringent care plan to manage their care. By facilitating this your loved one’s progress can be well monitored and you can get back to enjoying time with family.