In the UK somebody has a stroke every five minutes meaning that there are 100,000 strokes every year.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is when brain cells die because the blood supply to the brain is cut off. They cause more disabilities than any other condition and are the fourth biggest killer in the UK.
You are more likely to have a stroke if you are overweight, are a smoker, consume large amounts of alcohol, use drugs or are inactive. There are also some things outside of your control which can increase your chances of having a stroke such as your age, gender, ethnicity and if you have a history of heart disease. If you believe that you are at risk of having a stroke speak to your healthcare professional for advice on how you can make changes to your lifestyle to help reduce your risk.
How to spot a stroke
There are several warning signs to look out for if you think that you or somebody else is having a stroke. These include:
- The face falling on one side or being unable to smile
- Unable to raise both arms and keep them there
- Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
- Weakness or numbness on one side
- Sudden memory loss or confusion
- Slurred speech
If you suspect that you or somebody else is having a stroke ring 999 immediately.
The effects of a stroke
The effects of a stroke can be devastating and can differ from person to person depending on where in the brain it occurs and how much damage has been caused. Stroke survivors may have trouble with their memory, vision, speech, swallowing, bowel and bladder control, muscle and joint pain, weakness, balance, pins and needles.
Prompt treatment of a stroke is vital in order to minimise the level of damage done to the brain and to prevent further strokes occurring.
Unfortunately, not all stroke patients receive the level of care that they should which can lead to life-changing disabilities and even death. Our medical negligence lawyers are experienced in recovering compensation for stroke patients or their loved ones who have had a delay in the diagnosis of the stroke, a delay in the treatment of a stroke, or where medical professionals have failed to administer stroke-preventative medication or warn patients of the risk of suffering a stroke during a medical procedure. If you or a loved one have suffered a stroke and believe that you have been treated negligently call our specialists today on 0161 696 6229.
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