Stroke Services
Message from Stroke Services
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent early treatment is essential.
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
However if you or someone else in your family has already noticed stroke-like symptoms and have not taken any medical advice due to the Coronavirus epidemic please contact your General Practitioner who will be in touch with stroke service at ABUHB and we will aim to arrange a consultation with a specialist. This will not always require a face to face appointment and we have a virtual telephone consultation option available.
Where appropriate we will put you in touch with our Community Stroke Team who are continuing to provide rehabilitation, advice and support to people affected by a Stroke through a range of socially distanced ways and will ensure you have appropriate home based rehabilitation at this time
Symptoms of a stroke:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including face, arm and leg.
- Difficulty in getting the words out or speaking in clear sentences.
- Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
- A sudden, severe headache.
- Sudden loss of balance
Signs of stroke - FAST
- Face: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?
- Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?
- Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?
- Time: If you see any of these three signs, it's time to call 999 or call your General Practitioner if you already experienced the symptoms and did not take medical help
Useful Links