Stroke

A stroke happens when the blood supply to a person's brain is disturbed. If you think somebody is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately for an ambulance (see the FAST advice below).

According to The Stroke Association, over 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke every year. A campaign has been launched to get help FAST:

About FAST

FAST is a way of assessing three particular symptoms of a stroke:

  • Facial weakness – can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
  • Arm weakness – can the person raise both arms?
  • Speech problems – can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
  • Time to call 999.

If the person you are concerned about has failed any one of the FAST tests above, you must call 999. The quicker medical help arrives, the better the person's chance of a recovery.

You may have also heard of ‘mini-strokes', or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). It has the same signs as a stroke but gets better within 24 hours. It could be a warning of a more serious stroke so it is vital to still act FAST and call 999.

Find out more from The Stroke Association or the NHS:

Stroke and lifestyle

The Stroke Association has downloadable leaflets (available in several different languages) about how simple lifestyle changes can help prevent a stroke:

For example, eating too much salt can raise your risk of having a stroke. Overuse of salt has been strongly linked with high blood pressure – the main cause of strokes. To reduce the risk of disease, adults should not be eating more than 6g salt (2.5g sodium) a day (Source: NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald).

You can also get practical information about strokes and life after a stroke from Different Strokes, the charity for younger stroke survivors:

The East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS) also list local stroke support and counselling groups:

Advice for carers

If you care for somebody who has had a stroke, you might find useful carers' information and advice from Carers Direct, East Sussex County Council, or your local Primary Care Trust website.

Or you may need help or a social care assessment from the Council's adult social care department: