A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disturbed in some way. As a result, brain cells are starved of oxygen. This causes some cells to die and leaves other cells damaged.

Strokes can happen in a number of different ways: By a blockage to the blood supply to the brain, for example a blood clot formed within the brain (cerebral thrombosis), or a clot formed elsewhere in the body such as the heart that then travels to the brain. Blood clots can block one of the arteries (blood vessels) that carries blood to the brain. This type of stroke is called an ischaemic stroke. Strokes can also occur when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain and bleeds (haemorrhage). With a haemorrhage, blood seeps into the brain tissue and causes additional damage.

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or 'mini-stroke' is a short-term stroke that lasts for less than 24 hours. The oxygen supply to the brain is quickly restored and often symptoms disappear. A person may experience a TIA without realising that it has happened, but may simply feel drowsy for a short period whilst it is occurring, displaying very minor symptoms immediately afterwards. A transient stroke needs prompt medical attention because it indicates pathology within the brain and also a serious risk of a major stroke.

Symptoms of a stroke: Strokes usually take place suddenly without much warning. Stroke affects each individual very differently depending upon which area of the brain is damaged, and the type of stoke that has occurred.

Different areas of the brain control different functions such as movement, sensation, speech memory, swallowing and balance, therefore symptoms may affect any one of these areas in an individual.

Common symptoms include:
- Weakness down one side of the body, ranging from a mild loss of strength to varying levels of paralysis affecting either or both the arm and leg
- The affected side will often feel weak and heavy, which makes it more difficult for the person to move
- Weakness down one side of the face, causing the face and mouth to droop
- Speech may become difficult or become difficult to understand
- Swallowing may be affected
- Loss of muscle co-ordination and/or balance
- Brief loss of vision Severe headache Confusion
- In more severe cases, loss of consciousness may occur

Physiotherapy following a stroke:

The aim of physiotherapy is to help regain as much strength, movement, co-ordination and function as possible. The severity of the stroke will dictate how much recovery is possible, but physiotherapy works to maximise potential recovery.

Given that the brain is ‘plastic’ i.e. it can adapt and effectively re-programme to varying degrees following damage, the correct physiotherapy input can significantly improve both the physical and mental outcome for an individual.

Often the unaffected side becomes dominant and overactive to compensate for the weaker (affected) side. This means that a person who has had a stroke will tend to rely heavily on the stronger side of their body. Physiotherapy input is important in focusing on getting the affected side of the body to work more effectively, helping with normal movement, co-ordination, balance and general function.

Recovery following a stroke is most significant within the first 3 months as this is the optimal time for ‘neuroplasticity’ to occur. The degree of recovery depends on many factors, the most important being the severity of damage caused to the brain by the stroke. Although the majority of a person’s recovery is achieved in the first 12 months following the injury, recent research has demonstrated that significant improvements can be made for up to 5-10 years.

A neuro-physiotherapist will thoroughly assess the individual and their presenting symptoms and problems immediately after the stroke and continuously throughout the rehabilitation process. Together with the individual and their family, the physiotherapist can help to formulate a rehabilitation plan that is specific to that individual’s needs and personal goals.

Each individual’s stroke, symptoms, abilities, needs and goals are unique to them. At PEAK Physiotherapy we realise that everyone is different and therefore we work hard to achieve the needs of the patient alongside other professionals, family and friends.

If the stroke is severe, this could mean helping with getting from bed to chair, or on and off the toilet. We can teach family and carers how to move and handle patients following a stroke, how to help to facilitate the rehabilitation process through stretching, positioning etc, or with long term management plans if significant future care is needed. If the stroke is mild and the person is young and previously fit, physiotherapy could mean help with running and jumping, and returning to sport.

With the correct physiotherapy input, long term improvements can be made. We can help to get your life back following a stroke. Physiotherapy sessions may take place at home or, at our designated neuro-rehabilitation clinic (Iveridge Hall) where we have a Bobath treatment couch for physiotherapy purposes as required.

For all enquiries, please click here , or telephone Cathy Preston on 07908 684440 or Sarah Joice on 07908 684441.

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