The resulting effects of the stroke vary enormously depending on which area of the brain is affected. When stroke patients are admitted to hospital, they receive acute stroke care. Patients are likely to be asked to make lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking, cutting back on alcohol, losing weight, reducing cholesterol and doing more exercise. Doctors may also prescribe aspirin or cholesterol or blood pressure lowering drugs. Tests are also carried out to see if the arteries in the neck are narrowed, which could mean patients need surgery.
Strokes can damage the complex system if nerves and muscles which control swallowing.
Dehydration risk Catherine Collins, chief dietician at St George s Hospital in London said stroke patients often had trouble controlling liquids in their mouths. Therefore, there was a risk of dehydration unless fluids were actively administered. Problems eating solids can lead to malnutrition and secondary problems such as reduced resistance to infection and pressure sore risk. Swallowing is tested as soon as the stroke patient gets to hospital. Then we can see if they cannot swallow or if fluid is going down the wrong way.