A stroke is damage to the brain caused by an interruption to its blood supply or rupture of a blood vessel causing leakage of blood into the brain.
It is a common cause of brain injury and can vary in severity from causing very mild symptoms, varying degrees of disability and even death. It is the brain equivalent of a heart attack.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of stroke (Remember Act FAST – Face weakness, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty) = Time to call 999.
When someone suffers a stroke in Gloucestershire, they will be treated by the multi-disciplinary team of specialists including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians, therapy assistants, psychologists and social workers at the stroke unit, Cheltenham General Hospital.
Following a stay at Cheltenham General, you may benefit from some time on the specialist stroke rehabilitation ward at Vale Community Hospital.
When you are ready to return home, you will be supported by the Stroke Early Supported Discharge team at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust who will help your transition home from hospital when you may still need some support.