Information and support | My Stroke Guide

What is a TIA?

Click on the video above to find out how a TIA affects the body.

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke) is the same as a stroke, except the symptoms last for a short amount of time.
It is caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to part of your brain.
A TIA is a major warning sign of a stroke.
1 in 12 people who have a TIA go on to have a stroke within a week.
When stroke symptoms start, there is no way of knowing how long they will last. Don’t wait, call 999 straight away.

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Stroke and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

I'm a stroke survivor, what does Coronavirus (COVID-19) mean for me?

Stroke survivors have been telling us that they are worried about coronavirus (COVID-19). Most people who get the infection will recover quickly, but some people can have more severe symptoms, including pneumonia.

We have put together information on stroke and coronavirus (COVID-19) onto our Stroke Association website. Easy read documents are also available. This was created in partnership with NHS England and will be updated regularly. It is for all stroke survivors in the UK.

The web page is designed to help you understand what you can do to stay healthy. We provide links to the main official sources of guidance. We’re unable to provide medical advice about coronavirus.

The Stroke Association can support you with information and advice on stroke. If you need medical advice, please visit the NHS Coronavirus webpage.

Our Helpline is here on 0303 3033 100 if you need someone to talk to.

To find out what we’re doing as an organisation, including pausing all our events and groups in the community, you can read this note from our Chief Executive Juliet Bouverie.

Stroke Publications

Find detailed health information on a range of stroke-related topics. Our publications provide accurate and accessible health information for stroke survivors, carers, friends and family.

We publish our information about stroke in a range of European and South Asian languages. Available in an accessible format including audio, braille and large print.

If you have trouble understanding speech, it can also be hard to read. For more advice about communication support, call our Helpline on 0303 3033100 or email helpline@stroke.org.uk.

Blog

Sharing our stories is now more important than ever, so why not start with our new blog series by people affected by stroke, sharing their experiences of social distancing.

Stroke News

Stroke News offers loads of helpful information and advice on how to enjoy life after a stroke.

Each edition includes details on the latest stroke research as well as compelling case studies from a number of stroke survivors. Have a read about former IT teacher, Rick Heins' experience of My Stroke Guide here.

Make sure you don't miss a magazine. Subscribe to our future editions available in print, on audio CD, or via email.

To change your subscription preferences or to unsubscribe, please contact strokenews@stroke.org.uk or call 01604 687 721.

Stroke Apps

We know that it might not be as easy for you to get the help you need at this time.

The NHS have recommended a list of apps that are suitable for those who have had a stroke and have been found to aid rehabilitation. The list of apps covers many different topics, from eating to exercise.

The list of apps can be viewed here.

Webinars

AbilityNet is a registered charity (supported by IBM and Microsoft) whose focus is to change the lives of disabled and older people by helping them to use digital technology.

Technology and help for stroke survivors webinar

AbilityNet hosted a free webinar on Tuesday 31st March where they offered information and support on how technology can make life a little easier for people after a stroke, and those who are caring for them.

AbilityNet webinars

is also a series of online free webinars on a range of topics such as communication aids, accessibility and assistive technology. They also run free and regular events on AbilityNet Live!

To find out more please click here, you can also subscribe to their mailing list if you'd like to be notified of upcoming webinars.

Videos

Stroke Association Videos

You can now watch our videos on a range of topics such as mental health, medication and exercise after stroke. We hope that watching these videos help you in your recovery journey.

To start viewing, click play on the video below. To see what else we have on our playlist, click the three-line icon in the top right-hand corner of the video player. Alternatively, you can also visit our YouTube channel.

You can find more information about exercising after stroke on the Stroke Association website.

Exercise after stroke

Later Life Training Movement Snacks

Below is a playlist of Bex Townley from Later Life Training introducing ‘movement snacks’. These are short videos which will help you to get moving in the comfort of your own home.

The Stroke Association has developed these videos in collaboration with Later Life Training. They are intended to support the rehabilitation needs of stroke survivors but may not be suitable for everyone. Before using these videos, please discuss their suitability with your doctor or stroke health professional.

Stroke Specific Exercise Videos

The Stroke Association and A Stroke of Luck have come together to bring you stroke-specific exercise videos you can watch in the comfort of your own home.

Please watch the introduction video first so you can understand how the videos meet your individual needs.

These videos are intended to support the rehabilitation needs of stroke survivors but may not be suitable for everyone. Before using these videos, please discuss their suitability with your doctor or stroke health professional.

Mental health

In this series we talk about looking after our mental health and wellbeing, and why it's important that we look after ourselves emotionally. You can also find more information about emotional health, wellbeing, loneliness and isolation on the Stroke Association website.

Medication

In this video series, we talk about medication after stroke, covering topics like common types of medication, getting organised, what questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist and also possible side effects.

You can find more information on the subject of medication here on My Stroke Guide, and search for health information in our publications.