A stroke may occur when a person has a reduction or a blockage in blood supply to the brain.
When this blockage or reduction takes place, the brain does not get enough vital oxygen or nutrients, causing the cells in the brain to die.
It is a serious medical condition that requires fast acting as the effects of a stroke can be life-threatening or even fatal.
According to Brain Research UK, roughly 35,000 deaths occur annually in the UK from a stroke.
There are a few different types of strokes and is not only a health risk for the elderly.
What is a stroke and how can you spot the early signs?
Actor Chris Fountain, 35, has revealed he suffered a mini stroke in August this year.
The former Coronation Street star discussed his harrowing medical condition which left him “speaking like a toddler” after waking up being unable to speak properly.
Medically knows as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), the condition is the fourth biggest killer in the UK.
Chris explained his first symptom that prompted him to dial 111 was when he was unable to articulate speech upon waking up.
He told the Mirror that he then spent five days in Hackney's Homerton University Hospital.
“When the doctors confirmed I’d had a TIA and said the word stroke, I just couldn’t believe it, there was a moment of sheer panic just fearing what it meant for the rest of my life,” he said.
What is TIA?
A transient ischaemic attack is also referred to as a “mini stroke”, which occurs when the blood supply leading to the brain becomes temporarily disrupted.
“Having a TIA is a warning that you are at risk of having a stroke,” explains the Stroke Association.
“The risk is greatest in the first days and weeks after a TIA.
“So, you urgently need to find out what caused it, and get advice and treatment to help you stay healthy.”
Early signs of a mini stroke
The NHS explains the FACE technique to help determine whether you may be having a stroke. This is:
- Face – A drooping to one side of your face may be evident causing the person to battle to smile or noticing a drop in their mouth or eye.
- Arms – Being unable to lift both arms and also having difficulty to keep them there due to weakness or numbness.
- Speech – As with Chris, a person’s speech may become more slurred or garbled or they'll have difficulty saying anything despite being awake. This may also include having difficulties understanding another person.
- Time – Having a stroke or a TIA requires immediate action with the national health body advising to call for emergency quickly if any of these symptoms are evident.
Chris was later moved to The Royal London Hospital to undergo a series of tests.
“The doctors said they saw some damage to the left-hand side of my brain which is where your cognitive abilities are controlled from,” he further explained.
“What’s scary is if I hadn’t have called 111 when I did and got to hospital so quickly, I don’t know if that clot could have travelled to the wrong place in my brain, I could have died.
“That clot was like a ticking bomb in my head.”
Upon further testing, doctors discovered his blood clot was due to an undetected hole in his heart.
The actor is now working with a speech coach and trying to get his life back to order.
“Going through something like this makes you realise just how fragile life is, it can really be snatched away from you at any moment,” he added.
If you suspect you or someone you know may be having a stroke, it is imperative to seek medical care as quickly as possible.
