Ischaemic stroke. Version 1 Ref no. PILCOM1748

Transcription

1 Patient Information Ischaemic stroke Author: Stroke Intregrated Therapy Service, Pasteur Ward Produced and designed by the Communications Team Issue date Aug Review date Aug Expiry date Aug 2019 Version 1 Ref no. PILCOM1748

2 What is ischaemic stroke? Ischaemic strokes happen when a blood clot blocks the blood fl ow to your brain. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to your brain, without blood the brain cells can become damaged or destroyed. As we age our arteries can become harder and narrower. However, certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can speed up this process and increase the risk of having a stroke. All strokes affect people in different ways, depending on what part of the brain is affected and how widespread the damage is. It may affect how your body functions, your thought processes, how you feel and how you communicate. Investigations After having a suspected stroke you may have several investigations to explore the area of the brain affected, identify what type of stroke you have had, the location of the stroke in the brain and what has potentially led to you having a stroke. Investigations can include: CT - A computerised tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fi elds and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. Carotid Doppler - an ultrasound scan that looks at the blood flow through the blood vessels in your neck. 2

3 Care in hospital following a stroke You will be cared for on Pasteur Ward where you will receive different therapies to meet your individual needs. It may be helpful for your therapy to have personal items with you, such as toiletries, toothbrush, hairbrush/ comb, underwear, nightwear and day clothes. Suitable footwear is also essential for your therapy well-fi tting shoes or slippers with backs not slip-ons. The team providing your care During your stay on Pasteur Ward you will see many different staff. Below are your main contacts: Consultant... Ward manager (nurse)... Physiotherapist... Occupational therapist... Speech and language therapist... 3

4 Therapists Physiotherapists (PT): Will be involved in assessing your walking, and treating any problems, to improve function, e.g. getting in and out of bed, posture, sitting and standing balance. We can also provide walking aids and may prescribe an individualised exercise programme. While you are here we will discuss with you what activities are important to you and tailor your treatment to this. Occupational therapists (OT): Will assess your ability to carry out day to day activities after a stroke. OTs use assessments to identify problems impacting on your functional skills, mood and cognition to help and improve your ability to undertake personal care and domestic tasks. OTs will be involved in discharge planning, including a home visit or site visit, provide equipment essential for discharge and refer to social services for support at home if required. Speech and language therapists: Will assess and manage swallowing and communication problems after a stroke. Depending on what aspects of your communication you are having diffi culty with, we may carry out exercises working on strengthening your oral muscles for speech, improving your understanding or improving your word fi nding abilities using different activities and tasks. If you are having swallowing problems, we will carry out a swallow assessment. Depending on the results of this, you may need changes to the types of food or fl uids you can have safely or may need to have a feeding tube to help give you nutrition whilst we do therapy to try to improve your swallow function. Visiting times 2.30pm pm, Monday - Sunday If you would like to discuss anything with the doctors then please make an appointment with the ward clerk. 4

5 Discharge Once your therapy is complete you may no longer need specialist stroke care, so you may be moved to another ward. If you require further therapy, staff will discuss with you which discharge plan will best meet your needs: Lister Ward: Provides continuing inpatient rehabilitation provided by specialist physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses and doctors. Stroke Hub Team: Provides both inpatient rehabilitation beds, based in Brentwood Community Hospital, and a community team called early supported discharge. You should be given a copy of a stroke handbook and passport when you leave hospital, so that you can record information about your stroke. Lifestyle Changes Certain aspects of our lifestyle can increase the risk of having a stroke. Some factors are reversible/ manageable such as: Diet and nutrition Alcohol consumption Recreational drugs and alcohol Activity level Some medical conditions also increase your risk, It is important that these conditions are maintained and treated effectively by your GP or your consultant. High blood pressure High cholesterol Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) Diabetes 5

6 Therapy goals You and your therapists will agree rehabilitation goals and they will be written by your therapists below: Your long term goals Please write below, with help from family/ friends or a staff member if needed, what your long term goal is: 6

7 Information and services Stroke association: Stroke Helpline: Website: Stroke Hub Team: Tel:

8 Not to be photocopied Basildon University Hospital Nethermayne Basildon Essex SS16 5NL Minicom Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) E pals@btuh.nhs.uk W The Trust will not tolerate aggression, intimidation or violence directed towards its staff. This is a smokefree Trust. Smoking is not allowed in any of our hospital buildings or grounds. This information can be provided in a different language or format (for example, large print or audio version) on request.