A stroke is essentially a sudden attack to the brain, with immediate impact to the body. The blood supply to the brain is cut off, which prevents nutrients and oxygen from reaching the brain, resulting in damage and destruction of brain cells. The damage caused by a stroke can affect all bodily functions as well as how information is processed, communicated and learnt.

Support when you need it most-

There are two kinds of stroke. The most common is a blockage, called an ischaemic stroke, which occurs when a clot blocks an artery carrying blood to the brain.  The second type is a bleed, when a blood vessel bursts and causing bleeding, which is known as a haemorrhagic stroke.

What causes a stroke?-

Strokes can occur in people of any age, but there are ways to decrease the likelihood of them happening.  While some factors cannot be changed, such as family history or ethnic background, others can. These factors include lifestyle changes or taking prescribed medication.

The risk of a stroke increases with age and are more common in people aged over 55. More men than women suffer from strokes, most likely due to the link between the condition and high levels of cholesterol. High blood pressure and diabetes are also indicative factors which can be hereditary.  Research has also shown that people from Asian, African and African-Caribbean backgrounds are at greater risk.

Symptoms of a stroke-

The signs of a stroke are very sudden, and symptoms include:

  • Numbness or paralysis on one side of the body, for example, a droopy arm or dribbling
  • Slurred speech
  • Blurred vision or complete loss of sight
  • Confusion
  • Severe headache

Treatment for stroke sufferers at the Priory-

The Priory currently offers neuro rehabilitation services for people who have suffered a stroke, usually on an inpatient basis.  We work to a care pathway which co-ordinates our skilled multidisciplinary team in treating and caring for a diverse range of people following brain injury.  This may include people who are in a low awareness state, through to people who have very complex behavioural difficulties.  The aim of the service is to maximise quality of life and functional potential.

For further details on how Priory can provide you with further assistance regarding Stroke, please call 0800 840 3219. For professionals looking to make a referral, please click here

More Info

A test, called the Face Arm Speech Test (FAST) can help people determine whether a person has experienced a stroke:

  • Facial weakness: can the person smile, has their mouth or an eye drooped?
  • Arm weakness: can the person raise both arms?
  • Speech problems: can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
  • Time to call 999.

Our Locations

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We treat Stroke at the following facilities