A stroke is caused by a clot or a bleed in the brain which causes brain cells to die.
A stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK and remains the most common cause of severe disability with more than 250,000 people living with disability as a result of Stroke.
Following stroke people may experience:
- Motor impairment, Weakness or paralysis
- Lack of feeling
- Swallowing difficulties.
- Speech or language difficulties
- Problems of perception
- Cognitive difficulties
- Behaviour changes
- Difficulties with bowel or bladder control (urinary or faecal incontinence)
- Fatigue
- Psychological impairment / mood changes, depression, and changes in cognitive functioning..
- Post-stroke pain.
- Epilepsy.
Recovery from Stroke & Rehabilitation
Of people who survive a stroke around half will be left with significant disability. Having said that, the brain is remarkably adaptable and in the months or years after a stroke many cells that have sustained damage recover some of their function. At the same time other areas of the brain take over the functions performed by the cells that have died.
The time it takes to recover is extremely variable. However, commonly people have a surge of recovery in the weeks following a stroke followed by a slower recovery over the next year to 18 months or so.
Rehabilitation following stroke is about the process of achieving the best level of independence as possible by:
- Learning new skills
- Relearning skills and abilities
- Adapting to the physical, emotional and social consequences of the stroke.
How we can help
Our interdisciplinary team of Consultants, Nursing staff, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapist, with access to as required to Neuro-Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy aim to provide a patient centred, goal orientated approach to Stroke Rehabilitation to enable the individual to reach their optimum level of recovery.
We motivate patients to participate in their rehabilitation programmes and support them to transfer skills obtained into their own homes, including return to work, family or education.
Accessing the Stroke Unit Services
Referrals to the Stroke Unit are welcomed from GP’s, A&E Departments and other medical practitioners. The details of each case will be accessed by the Stroke Care Team with the involvement of the referring clinician and a decision to accept or decline will be made on a clinical basis.
Monday – Friday; 8am – 6pm please contact the Stroke Unit Admissions team on: 020 7806 4075
At all other times please call: 020 7806 4000 - ask for the “08 Bleep Holder”.
For more information you can visit The Stroke Unit Website: www.thestrokeunit.org.uk
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