Stroke Awareness Training Course

A Stroke Awareness course is important because it equips individuals with the knowledge to recognise stroke symptoms early, respond quickly in emergencies, and provide ongoing support for stroke survivors. Early recognition and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes, reduce long-term disability, and even save lives.

This Stroke Awareness course course is ideal for healthcare professionals, care workers, social care staff, family carers, and anyone who wants to improve their understanding of strokes. It is especially relevant for those who support individuals at risk of or recovering from a stroke, whether in clinical, residential, or home care settings.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to serious brain damage, long-term disability, or even death if not treated quickly. There are different types of strokes, but all require urgent medical attention.

The most common cause of a stroke is a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain (ischaemic stroke). Less commonly, a burst blood vessel can cause bleeding in or around the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and a family history of stroke.

A mini stroke, or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. It causes stroke-like symptoms that last a few minutes to hours and resolve on their own. While symptoms may disappear, a TIA is a serious warning sign that a full stroke may occur in the near future, and urgent medical evaluation is needed.

In some cases, there may be early warning signs such as:

• Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
• Brief loss of vision or blurred vision
• Sudden dizziness or balance problems
• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg—especially on one side of the body
• Severe headache with no known cause

These symptoms may appear intermittently in the days leading up to a stroke and should never be ignored. Immediate medical advice should be sought.

A stroke affects the brain and occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted. A heart attack, on the other hand, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a clot or narrowed arteries. While both are medical emergencies involving the circulatory system, they affect different organs and have different symptoms.

To prevent urinary tract infections in stroke patients:

• Ensure regular and complete bladder emptying
• Maintain good personal hygiene
• Encourage adequate fluid intake (unless restricted)
• Monitor for signs of infection
• Limit catheter use when possible and ensure proper catheter care when used
• Encourage mobility and physical activity to promote normal bladder function

Preventing falls in stroke patients includes:

• Assessing and addressing mobility limitations
• Using mobility aids (e.g. walkers, canes) as needed
• Removing tripping hazards and ensuring a safe environment
• Providing physical therapy to improve strength and balance
• Encouraging appropriate footwear and regular vision checks
• Supervising movement if the patient has poor coordination or is unsteady

To reduce the risk of aspiration (when food or liquid enters the airway) in stroke patients:

• Assess swallowing ability through a professional (e.g. speech and language therapist)
• Adjust food textures and liquid consistency as recommended
• Ensure patients sit upright while eating and drinking
• Supervise meals and encourage slow, small bites
• Avoid feeding when the person is very tired or distracted
• Follow care plans closely and monitor for signs of aspiration (e.g. coughing, choking, wet voice)