Stroke is Australia’s second single greatest killer after coronary heart disease and a leading cause of disability. The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke. Using the FAST test involves asking three simple questions:

• Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms – Can they lift both arms?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

Close to 20 per cent of all strokes occur to people under 55 years old.

The problems that you have after your stroke will vary. They will depend on which part of the brain was affected by stroke and on how big the stroke was. Different therapists will work with you as you recover depending on what problems you are having.

There is no medical treatment that will repair the damage that has happened to the brain as a result of the stroke. The best form of treatment after a stroke is rehabilitation on a stroke unit where patients get early and active treatment for the changes after stroke.

Other treatments might be used to lower your chances of having another stroke. Some people might be suitable for treatments that dissolve the clot that is blocking the artery and let blood back to the brain. However, this type of treatment is not suitable for everyone.Bowel and bladder function can be affected as the nerve pathways canbe damaged.

Useful Resources

Stroke Foundation 1800 787 653

Related Forums

NeuroTalk (Non AU) 

Brain Talk (Non AU)

Medhelp (Non AU)