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Integrated Neurological Services
82 Hampton Road, Twickenham, TW2 5QS
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  1. Living with a neurological condition
  2. Living after Stroke

Living after stroke

A stroke is caused by the blood supply to part of the brain being cut off. This is due to a blood vessel bleeding or getting blocked. As a result, that part of the brain becomes damaged. The effects of stroke will vary depending on which part of the brain is damaged.

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, and urgent treatment is essential. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.


‘There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year. That is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK. Stroke is the fourth biggest killer in the in the UK. Fourth in England and Wales, and the third biggest killer in Scotland and Northern Ireland’. (Stroke Association. 2018) Two thirds of strokes occur in people over 65 years old.


All strokes are different. For some, the effects may be minimal and not last long. Whilst others can be left with more severe problems which result in them becoming dependent on other people. Sadly, approximately 12.5% die within 30 days of having a stroke.


Causes of a stroke:


The brain needs considerable amounts of oxygen and nutrients, carried to it in our blood to operate well. Restriction of this blood supply leads to brain cell death, this then leads to a stroke. There are two main causes of strokes:
ischaemic – where the blood supply is stopped because of a blood clot, accounting for 85% of all cases
haemorrhagic – where a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts
A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is also known as a mini-stroke is the same as a stroke, except that the symptoms only last for a short amount of time, typically less than 24 hours. This is because the blockage that stops the blood getting to your brain is temporary. TIAs should be considered as an urgent warning to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if symptoms resolve.


Some conditions increase the risk of having a stroke, including:

  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • high cholesterol
  • atrial fibrillation
  • diabetes


Medical treatment of stroke depends on the type of stroke, including which part of the brain was affected. Usual treatment is with medicines to prevent and dissolve blood clots, reduce blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. On occasions, surgery may be required to treat brain swelling, remove blood clots, or reduce the risk of additional bleeding in cases of haemorrhagic strokes.


For some stroke survivors a lengthy period of stroke rehabilitation is needed before they can recover their pre-stroke level of independence. However, many never regain previous levels of independence and they need support and assistance to live with the stroke. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy (OT) and speech and language therapy (SLT) are the foundations of stroke rehabilitation. Stroke rehabilitation is often focused on functional tasks and patient’s goals.

INS Programme

INS is currently unable to offer normal face-to-face services. However, we are continuing to support our clients and carers by offering virtual group sessions via Zoom videolink - please see below for details of our current programme. Read more

Published: 13th November, 2017

Updated: 1st March, 2021

Author:

Related topics:
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • For professionals
  • Living after stroke
  • For carers
  • Other conditions
  • Parkinsons
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Latest

  • Continued suspension of INS face-to-face services

    Following recent developments in efforts to tackle the spread of the COVID-19 virus, a decision has been made to stop INS face-to-face services until further notice.

  • Latest news

    Latest news

    Find out what's been happening at INS in our latest Newsletter... INS face-to-face groups remain suspended but we continue to support our clients through video / phone contact... A hugely positive response to INS online sessions during lockdown... Over 150 people, including then Twickenham MP Sir Vince Cable, and the Mayors of Richmond and Hounslow, joined service users, staff and volunteers at York House for INS 25th Anniversary event on 17 October 2019...

  • INS Newsletter (Winter 2020)

    INS Newsletter (Winter 2020)

    Details of what's been happening at INS in recent months and plans for the coming weeks in our latest Newsletter... Find out how our staff and clients took part in the 2.6 Challenge, raising in excess of £2,000 for INS. Events included a 2.6 mile run, running on the spot for 26 minutes, and a 26-line poem! You can continue to show your support by clicking the Donate button at the top of the page.

  • INS Case for Support

    Find out why INS exists, how we respond to people's needs, and the hugely positive impact that we have.

Most read

  • What is a neurological condition?

    A neurological condition is a disease, illness or trauma that affects the central or peripheral nervous system. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, tremor, cognitive difficulties, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness.

  • Where we work

    Integrated Neurological Services (INS) provides support primarily to people who live in the London boroughs of Richmond and Hounslow. However, we may still be able to offer support to people living just outside this area (eg. in Kingston, Wandsworth, Ealing) who are within reach of our base in Twickenham.

  • What difference we make

    INS can be the difference between living and just existing.

  • Donate

    Your donation can make a difference to the lives of people with a neurological condition. Donate, hold an event, take part in a challenge - whatever you can do will make a difference.

  • Working for INS

    Come and join our team.

  • History of INS

    INS is the only organisation in the London area offering long term, professional rehabilitation and support for people with neurological conditions, through its experienced team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and social workers.

  • I wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it wasn't for INS

    I wouldn’t be here talking to you today if it wasn't for INS

  • Partnering with us

    Partnerships - INS cannot do its work alone. The best possible outcomes for our clients can be most effectively achieved from a joined-up approach that utilises the resources from a wide range of providers, both statutory and voluntary.

  • Why we do what we do

    At INS we believe that a long-term neurological condition requires a long-term approach. We believe that this should include support for carers and focus on ability not disability. this with your content

  • How to refer

    INS accepts self-referrals and referrals from GPs, neurologists, therapists, health or social care professionals or a person’s family or friend.

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