What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked. There are two main types of stroke:
Haemorrhagic – caused by a blood vessel in the brain that breaks and bleeds. This type accounts for around 15% of strokes
Ischaemic – caused by a blocked artery. This type accounts for around 80% of strokes
Both types of stroke need treatment. Strokes can be mild, severe or even fatal. The impact and symptoms depend on the part of the brain the stroke affects. Strokes can impact the way you behave, your thoughts and your feelings. In many cases, you can prevent strokes by living a healthy lifestyle. Common causes of strokes include high blood pressure, being overweight or obese, smoking, high cholesterol, drinking too much and diabetesDiabetes is a life-long metabolic disease where the body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin it makes. This causes high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause damage to various organs over time if not properly managed. Your GPGeneral Practitioner will help you make a healthy lifestyle plan and learn how to reduce your risk.
What will my GP do now if I have had a stroke?
Your GP will talk to you about how to manage your heart disease risk factors. They may suggest you see a specialist for more tests. Your GP may also discuss healthy living tips, like:
- Quitting smoking
- Weight loss
- Drinking safe amounts
- Exercise
- Safe driving
- Rehabilitation
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Safe Driving
Stroke can affect your driving, even if your recovery is good.
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You must not drive for at least three months after a stroke. Before you start driving again, you need clearance from your GP.
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Your GP may suggest you start taking blood pressure treatments and stop taking other types of medications.
What will my GP do in the future if I’ve had a stroke?
Your GP may see you in three months to check your health. Your GP may:
- Keep helping you reduce your risk factors
- Talk to you about how to check for signs of a mini-stroke
- Give you support for rehab so you can live independently
- Help you sort out any workplace issues
- Check in with your mental health and give you supports if needed
- Check other issues like bladder and bowel function or your risk of falls
If you have a carer, your GP may check in with them. They may see if your carer needs respite care, home care or more support. You can access supports through local councils.
Your GP may also talk to you about advance care planning.
What can I do?
Once you have had a stroke, you have a higher risk of having a second stroke. To reduce your risk:
- Follow your treatment plan
- Take any medication as directed
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Ask your GP how to check for signs of a mini stroke
- Follow your GP’s advice about safe driving
- Exercise daily
- Ask your GP about rehab exercises so you can regain independence
When should I call an ambulance?
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone else shows the signs of stroke, call Triple 0 straight away.
Look for the F.A.S.T. signs:
Face: Check their face, has their mouth drooped?
Arms: Can they lift both arms?
Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time: This is critical. Call Triple 0.
Support Services
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Stroke Foundation - Enable Me
Online/Phone
EnableMe is a free online resource that brings together stroke information, videos, tools and conversation with other survivors and carers.
By signing up to EnableMe you’ll have access to:
- Forums and blogs to share experiences about recovery or life after stroke
- Health professionals of whom you can ask questions
- Set and keep track of your recovery goals
EnableMe will ensure you have everything you need to manage your own recovery and grow stronger after stroke.
