Level 2 Award in Stroke Awareness

1. 1
Stroke Awareness
Level 2 Award
Advantage Accreditation / Version No R.8.1.K

2. Aim
To raise awareness of the
signs and impact of strokes
and how to respond
effectively to someone
experiencing one
This course is linked directly
to the National Stroke-
Specific Education
Framework - NSSEF

3. 01
Appreciate the aspects
of an individual’s life
that can be affected by
a stroke
Understand the effect
of a stroke, both
physically and on the
nervous system
Know what to do when
you suspect someone
has had a stroke
Learning
Outcomes
02
03 04
Understand and clarify
the signs and symptoms
of a stroke

4. Definition
An attack of the brain and happens when the blood supply to part of
the brain is cut off
Blood carries the nutrients and oxygen to the brain and without
blood, brain cells can be damaged or die
A stroke is……………

5. What
Causes a
Stroke?

6. What a Stroke Affects
The damage caused by a stroke can have
different effects on people, depending
on what part of the brain is affected
Can affect the way your body works
as well as how you think, feel
and communicate

7. c
Dave’s Story

8. c
Types of Stroke
Ischaemic Stroke
Haemorrhagic Stroke
Transient Ischaemic Attack – TIA (mini stroke)
There are three different types of stroke:

9. Types of Stroke
Ischaemic Stroke:
When the blood supply to the brain has
been cut off
The most common type of stroke

10. Types of Stroke
Transient Ischaemic Attack – TIA (mini stroke):
• Same as a stroke, except that the
symptoms last for a shorter amount of
time usually within 24 hours
• This is because the blood supply to the
brain has been cut off for a short period
of time

11. c
Types of Stroke
Transient Ischaemic Attack – TIA (mini stroke)

12. Types of Stroke
Haemorrhagic Stroke:
• When the bleeding is in or around the brain
• The blood supply has been cut off from part of the brain

13. Common Symptoms
Many people in the UK say they would not recognise the symptoms of a stroke
Two thirds of people do not recognise the symptoms of a mini-stroke and three
quarters would not go to A&E

14. c
Act F.A.S.T.

15. Confusion, trouble speaking or not being
able to
understand
Less Common
Symptoms
Sudden….
Difficulty seeing clearly – in one or both
eyes
Trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance
or
co-ordination

16. 01A stroke is always a medical emergency
Always dial 999 and ask for an ambulance IMMEDIATELY
Actions to
Take
02
03Stay with the person and note their symptoms and
any changes so that you can inform the ambulance crew
If there are any changes that concern you, call 999 again
and ask for advice
04

17. Multiple Sclerosis
Epilepsy
Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia (diabetes)
Conditions Misdiagnosed
as a stroke
Intracranial tumours
Infections e.g. Meningitis

18. c
shakiness
Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia
dizziness
sweating
hunger
irritability or moodiness
anxiety or nervousness
poor concentration
headache
increased thirst
blurred vision
What symptoms look like:
frequently passing urine
weakness
tiredness

19. Epilepsy
Changes in sensation such as a tingling
feeling, which spreads to other parts of the
body – commonly people experience a rising
feeling in their stomach
Uncontrollable stiffness or twitching in a part
of the body such as your arm or hand
What symptoms look like:
Disturbances in your vision, such as seeing
flashing lights

20. Multiple Sclerosis
What symptoms look like:
• Vision difficulties
• Tingling and numbness
• Pains and spasms
• Weakness or fatigue
• Balance difficulties or dizziness
• Bladder issues
• Cognitive problems

21. Intracranial Tumours or
Infections e.g. Meningitis
New onset or change in pattern of headaches
Unexplained nausea or vomiting
What symptoms look like:
Headaches that gradually become more frequent and more severe
Vision issues, such as blurred or double vision or loss of peripheral vision
Confusional states

22. Cognitive problems
Impact on Life After
a Stroke
Speech and swallowing
Changes in emotions and “character” – including
depression
Balance – falls and difficulty getting back up
Tiredness that does not get better with rest
Continence
Being emotional – suddenly laughing or
crying for no reason
Becoming impulsive, very outspoken, irritable

23. Impact of Life After a Stroke
What can help:
Support groups
Advocacy services
Information
Following support/rehabilitation plans

24. Keeping positive: having a positive attitude has been shown
to have a significant positive impact on recovery
Helping with recovery: ask the person what will help
What We Can Do Next
Remind the individual of their progress: being honest about
how well they are doing
Avoid saying things for the sake of saying them
Keep to the Support Plan: you and other professionals have
agreed a plan with the person – working together works best
Learning more: think about what is impacting on the individual
and find out more – you will then understand what they are
doing to aid recovery

26. 01
Appreciate the aspects
of an individual’s life
that can be affected by
a stroke
Understand the effect
of a stroke, both
physically and on the
nervous system
Know what to do when
you suspect someone
has had a stroke
Learning
Outcomes
02
03 04
Understand and clarify
the signs and symptoms
of a stroke