Stroke Information

What is a stroke?

The brain has a cortex which is the thinking part of the brain (it is wrinkly and composed of grey matter). It is divided into two hemispheres – the left and the right. 

The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and vice versa. It is important to know that sometimes people do not have difficulties which visibly affect the left or right sided of the body.

The brain carries messages between its different parts via cells called neurons. There are billions of neurons which form complex pathways and networks, which transport the messages within the brain.

The brain also carries messages backwards and forwards to the body via the brain stem and spinal cord.

Like all organs, the brain needs oxygen and nutrients transported by the blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die.

Areas of the brain that can be affected

Diagram outlining different areas of the brain

  • Temporal Lobe - Responsible for memory & learning, hearing, making sense and understanding what we see and hear.
  • Frontal Lobe - Responsible for attention & concentration, executive functioning, planning, problem solving, organisation, personality, emotions, behaviour, thinking of what to say, moving the mouth to speak and insight & awareness.
  • Motor Strip - Responsible for movements.
  • Sensory Strip - Responsible for sensations.
  • Parietal Lobe - Responsible for making sense of the world around you, recognising what things are, recognising where things are, planning movements (like reaching) and understanding what we hear and what we read.
  • Occipital Lobe - Responsible for vision.
  • Cerebellum - Responsible for balance and coordination.
  • Brain Stem

Why is rehabilitation important?

After a stroke, damaged areas in the brain cannot re-heal themselves.

Over time, however, the brain can form new pathways in attempts to regain the skills and functions affected by the stroke. The ability of the brain to continually change and adapt is known as neuroplasticity.

Rehabilitation encourages the brain to start making new connections which helps you to recover. One of the most effective ways to promote neuroplasticity is through exercise and task practice, this why you will be asked to complete tasks outside of therapy sessions.

Secondary Prevention

Many strokes are preventable. Different factors can increase your risk of stroke, including:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking
  • High Cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Inactivity
  • Being overweight
  • Diabetes

There are various methods for managing these factors, including through changes in your diet, keeping hydrated and ensuring you take your medications as prescribed.

You can manage your blood pressure and cholesterol by staying active, limiting your salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding or managing stress, avoiding excessive alcohol use and quitting smoking.

The Stroke Association have a page dedicated to managing your risk of further stroke.

Stroke Association

The Stroke Association is a charity that offers insight into the effects of a stroke and the recovery. They organise support groups and online activities and advise on what services could help you in your area. They also provide support to the carers and families of stroke survivors.

For further information please visit the Stroke Association website or contact their helpline on 0303 3033100.