Ischaemic Stroke

Ischaemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain. Without oxygen, brain cells are damaged within minutes, causing sudden neurological symptoms. After emergency treatment and medical stabilisation, many people need specialist neurorehabilitation to recover movement, speech, cognition and independence.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide consultant-led inpatient neurorehabilitation for adults recovering from ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) with persistent symptoms.

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What Is An Ischaemic Stroke?

An artery in the brain or neck becomes blocked by a clot (thrombus) or a clot that has travelled from elsewhere (embolus). Common sources include the carotid arteries and the heart (for example, in atrial fibrillation).

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Common Symptoms

Stroke symptoms usually start suddenly. Seek emergency help if you notice:

• Face: facial droop on one side
• Arm: weakness or numbness in an arm or leg (often one side)
• Speech: slurred speech or difficulty finding words
• Time: call 999 immediately

Other symptoms may include: loss of vision in one eye or half the visual field, severe headache, confusion, balance problems, swallowing difficulty, or sudden behavioural change.

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Causes And Risk Factors

• Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm problems
• High blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes
• Carotid artery disease or small vessel disease
• Smoking, inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol
• Thrombophilia or hyperhomocysteinaemia (increased clot tendency)
• Certain autoimmune/vasculitic or inflammatory conditions

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Diagnosis And Acute Care

Diagnosis and emergency treatment are carried out in an acute hospital (e.g. thrombolysis or thrombectomy for eligible patients). Once medically stable, patients who have ongoing physical, cognitive or communication difficulties can benefit from co-ordinated inpatient rehabilitation at Royal Bucks.

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Possible Complications

• Weakness or loss of coordination
• Aphasia (language problems) or dysarthria (slurred speech)
• Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
• Visual field loss or spatial neglect
• Cognitive changes (memory, attention, planning)
• Fatigue, low mood, anxiety
• Spasticity and pain in affected limbs

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Neurorehabilitation At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We deliver goal-oriented, multidisciplinary programmes tailored to each patient.

Your Programme May Include

Neurophysiotherapy

• Gait re-education, balance and postural stability
• Strength and endurance training, upper-limb recovery
• Falls prevention and safe transfers

Occupational Therapy

• Personal care, home and community re-integration
• Upper-limb function, fine motor tasks and energy conservation
• Cognitive strategies for memory, attention and planning

Speech And Language Therapy

• Aphasia therapy: understanding, speaking, reading, writing
• Dysarthria strategies and voice projection
• Swallow assessment and safe-eating advice

Neuropsychology

• Mood, adjustment and coping strategies
• Cognitive rehabilitation and fatigue management
• Education for families and carers

Discharge Planning

• Home exercise programme, equipment recommendations
• Community therapy handover and return-to-work guidance (where appropriate)

Explore Stroke Rehabilitation
Visit Our Rehabilitation Centre

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When To Consider Inpatient Rehab

• Ongoing mobility, balance or arm-hand difficulties after discharge from acute care
• Communication or swallowing problems limiting independence
• Significant fatigue, cognitive slowing or low confidence
• Need for co-ordinated input from physiotherapy, OT, speech therapy and psychology
• Limited progress with outpatient therapy alone

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Living Well After Stroke

• Follow a structured therapy and activity plan with planned rests
• Optimise blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol with your medical team
• Stop smoking and review alcohol intake
• Maintain sleep, hydration and nutrition
• Involve family/carers in strategies taught during rehab