Understanding Stroke

Stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function well. If blood supply is stopped even for a short time, it can cause problems. Brain cells die quickly when not enough blood is received. When brain cells die, brain function is lost. A stroke may affect your ability to move, speak, eat, think and remember, control your bowl and bladder, control your emotions and control your vital bodily functions.

Experiencing a stroke and life after a stroke can be confronting and challenging, which is why MSWA is dedicated to supporting you throughout your journey.

Our comprehensive range of services is designed to empower you to live life the way you want and not be bound by limits, whatever your goals may be. 

Symptoms of a stroke

The main symptoms of stroke can be identified by using the word FAST

  • Face

    Drooping face or mouth.

  • Arms

    Weakness, numbness or paralysis in arms on one or both sides of the body.

  • Speech

    Slurred speech, difficulty speaking and understanding.

  • Time

    If any of the above signs are noticed, call triple zero (000) immediately as time is critical.

Other possible signs of stroke include: 

  • Weakness or paralysis elsewhere in the body, on one or both sides
  • Loss of sensation, usually on one side
  • Loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
  • A sudden and severe headache
  • Dizziness, loss of balance, or an unexplained fall
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Drowsiness or loss of consciousness

Types of Stroke

Ischaemic stroke

The most common type of stroke is ischaemic stroke, when a major blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a blood clot or plaque.  

There are two main types of ischaemic strokes: 

Thrombotic stroke

A thrombotic stroke, when a clot or blockage forms in a blood vessel in your brain

Embolic stroke

An embolic stroke, when a blood clot forms elsewhere in your body (often in the heart), and travels to block a blood vessel supplying your brain.

Haemorrhagic stroke

A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when the wall of a blood vessel in the brain suddenly breaks, causing a bleed in the brain and stopping the brain from getting oxygen and nutrients.

There are two types of haemorrhagic strokes: 

Intracerebral haemorrhage

An intracerebral haemorrhage, when an artery in the brain bursts and bleeds. 

Subarachnoid haemorrhage

A subarachnoid haemorrhage, when a bleed happens in the space surrounding the brain.

Life afer a stroke/What happens next?

Whether you’ve experienced a stroke recently or sometime in the past, MSWA is here to provide you with vital support and services throughout your neurological condition journey. Your wellbeing, safety and comfort is top priority – we offer flexible services via phone or video call, in a safe way in your home and/or in a safe way in our Centres. 

The range of services we offer include counselling, dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, in-home care and social welfare. 

Contact us

For more information to see how we can best help you and to contact us, visit our Get Support page.

Alternatively, call us on 1300 097 989 (metropolitan WA) or 1800 287 367 (regional WA).

Additional resources and support

Please see below for some resources you may find useful: 

 

Other sources to reference:

Information on this webpage was partly obtained from the below official resources.