• Every year over 6,000 Londoners are left with an impairment after stroke
• Stroke is the biggest cause of disability in the UK
• Approximately a third of people who have had a stroke are left with disabilities

According to the National Stroke Strategy, the aim of rehab for stroke survivors is to achieve a good quality of life and maximise independence, well being and choices.

How GPs can make a difference:

Effective rehabilitation, initiated at the beginning of treatment, can improve the stroke survivor’s opportunities to re-engage with their lifestyle, their family and friends. Impairments that result from stroke can improve over many years, so people need both a focus of rehabilitation to help them improve and recover, and support to help them manage disabling factors caused by a stroke that may continue long-term.¹

Disabilities that may occur after a stroke:

• Paralysis or problems controlling movement (motor control)
• Problems using or understanding language (aphasia)
• Problems with continence
• Sensory disturbances including pain
• Problems with thinking and memory
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Emotional disturbances including depression

Complications after stroke:

The immobility that often results from stroke can lead to:

• Pneumonia
• Pressure sores
• Constipation
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Contractures