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<s>[INST] What is a Transient Ischaemic Attack? [/INST] A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke because symptoms resemble those of stroke except that it last for shorter time (no longer than 24 hours). There is usually a temporary brief obstruction of the blood flow to the brain causing loss of function, for instance, weakness, tingling or disturbed vision or speech. A TIA is a warning of possible stroke risk and therefore should be treated as an emergency in order to prevent the development of a stroke in the future. Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] What are the symptoms of stroke? [/INST] Stroke usually results in:
Sudden paralysis or weakness of the face, arm or leg.
Numbness and loss or reduced sensation.
Eyesight problems, for example problems with visual field.
Problems with speech and disturbed ability to communicate or understand others.
Sudden headaches and/or dizziness.
Disturbed coordination and/or balance and difficulty walking. Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] What causes a stroke? [/INST] There is no single cause for stroke but certain factors increase the risk of a stroke. Most strokes occur in the second half of life and are caused by damage to the blood vessels – and sometimes to the heart – which has been building up slowly over time. This damage usually happens as a result of prolonged exposure to high blood pressure. If in addition the patient is overweight, smokes, drinks heavily or has a sedentary lifestyle, the risk of stroke is increased.
A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to blocked or ruptured blood vessels. When a blood vessel is blocked, it results in a type of stroke called ischemic stroke (usually caused by a blood clot or fatty deposits building up on the walls of blood vessels), whereas haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain causing bleeding and pressure on specific brain tissue.
Unfortunately, stroke can affect anyone at any time, regardless of their age; however the risks can substantially be minimised by a healthy lifestyle anyone can suffer a stroke at any time, although the risks can be substantially reduced by a healthy lifestyle. Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] What do I do if I experience worsening function or new symptoms after my stroke? [/INST] This should be treated as medical emergency; you need to call 999 immediately. If you are not sure and you feel you need to discuss mild new or worsening symptoms, call your GP to seek medical advice. Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] Is the brain affected by stroke? [/INST] Yes. A stroke causes obstruction to the brain circulation, depriving the brain from essential nutrients and oxygen, which can result in brain cell damage. All stroke symptoms are related to disruption of various brain functions and the presenting deficits are usually linked to damage of specific brain areas. For example, the main deficit following a stroke might be related to speech because the area affected in the brain is the communication control center. Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] What are the risk factors for stroke? [/INST] Anyone can have a stroke although some risk factors increase your chance of suffering a stroke. Stroke can happen at any age but it is more common in people over age of 65 (three in four strokes in UK happen in people above 65 years old). Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices can increase your risk of a stroke.
Risk factors fall into two main categories:
1. Risks factors that you cannot change:
Age – stroke risk generally increases as we get older.
Family history – if you have a close relative who suffered a stroke, your risk is likely to be higher.
Ethnic origin – specific ethnic origins have increased risk of stroke.
Genetic conditions – certain conditions, for example, Sickle cell disease, can increase risk of a stroke.
2. Risks factors that you can change (modifiable risk factors):
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Diabetes
High Cholesterol
Excessive alcohol intake
Overweight
Cigarette smoking
Poor diet
Lack of physical activity
Prior stroke Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] Is stroke due to overwork or stress? [/INST] Stress is not directly related to increased stroke risks but stress affects your physiological functions and can therefore increase your blood pressure (thus increasing risks of a stroke). Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] Is the heart affected by stroke? [/INST] No. The stroke itself has no effect on the heart, but patients who suffer from a heart condition have a higher risk of stroke. Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] When can I start driving after my stroke? [/INST] After your stroke, you have to wait at least 1 month from the date of hospital discharge before you are allowed to drive. After this time, you must see your GP who will give you advice on whether it is safe for you to return to driving, depending on how you have been affected by the stroke, any residual problems you might have and the type of vehicle you drive. If your GP advice that you are able and it is safe to drive again, you usually don’t need to inform the DVLA but you need to let your car insurance provider know. Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] How can I reduce my risk of a stroke? [/INST] Risk factors fall into two main categories; (1) modifiable and (2) non-modifiable risks. Although you cannot do much about the non-modifiable risks, for example, your age or family history, most strokes can be prevented by changing certain other factors (modifiable risks). Example of these changes:
Reduce your alcohol intake.
Stop smoking.
Eat a healthy diet (less fat and salt and more fruit and vegetables).
Engage in regular physical activities.
Manage any underlying medical problems, for instance, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Discuss with your GP if certain medications are needed to control your risk factors.
In addition to your GP, a number of organisations and people can help you tackle the above changes. Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |
<s>[INST] What are the risks of a second stroke? [/INST] Certain risks that might have contributed to your stroke, for example, high blood pressure or damaged blood vessel wall, can sometimes not be reversed and therefore the risk can still persist. Although your risk of having a second stroke is higher if you have already suffered a stroke, the above changes (see post above about ‘how to reduce risks of a stroke’) should still have positive impact on reducing your risk of a second stroke. In addition, you need to make sure you do the following:
You might be prescribed certain medication after your stroke to address specific underlying medical conditions, for example, high blood pressure. You need to make sure you take the medication as prescribed.
Monitor your general health and do regular check-ups to make sure your risk factors are controlled and that the medication is working well for you.
Identify lifestyle changes that could help reduce your risks and talk to your GP on how to get help and support to achieve these (for example, stopping smoking or losing weight). Source: WEST SUFFOLK HOSPITAL. Link: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/Services-A-Z/Stroke-early-supported-discharge/Frequently-asked-questions.aspx. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s> |