Stroke Awareness Month
Stroke Awareness Month runs throughout May and raises awareness of the causes, symptoms, prevention and rehabilitation of a stroke. It also provides support and resources to stroke survivors and their families.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Damage to the brain can affect how the body works. It can also change how you think and feel. The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is.
Stroke can be life changing. It can happen to anyone of any age and affects everyone in different ways.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke
Our South Notts Community Stroke team is sharing a video highlighting the signs and symptoms of a stroke and how important it is to BeFAST, which is a simple test to quickly identify if someone is having a stroke.
- Balance - may experience sudden loss of balance, increased falls, dizziness or a headache
- Eyes - sudden change in vision such as difficulty seeing one side, double vision or blurred vision
- Face - mouth, face or eye may drop on one side and you, may struggle to smile
- Arms - may experience weakness or numbness in one on your arms, you may struggle to lift you are above your head
- Speech - your speech may be slurred or you may not be able to talk or understand what someone is saying to you.
- Time - Act fast and dial 999. Stroke is a medical emergency.
Amber's story 
Amber was 49 when she had a stroke, which left her completely paralysed down her right-hand side for year first year of her recovery. The Trust’s South Notts Community physiotherapy team has supported her with equipment and aids to enhance her progression and speech therapy has helped her to understand that she may not always find the words, but to be patient and use visual techniques where she can. Amber says:
“I still suffer from Aphasia, (this is when a person has difficulty with their language or speech). I find this more noticeable when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or groups of people or when panicked. I also get tired very easily, but apart from that I am doing pretty good.
“I’ve been able to get back to the photography I love. I can’t hold the camera quite like how I used to, but it’s fantastic to be able to take photos of nature again.”
You can read Amber’s full story on the Trust’s blog and how she has been involved in setting up a support group, with Rushcliffe Social Prescribing, to provide a welcoming space for people who have suffered a recent stroke to meet and share experiences.
You can find out more information about our South Notts Community Stroke team here.