Tag: stroke

Strokes caused by Covid-19 under the spotlight in world’s largest research study

The Stroke Association is funding the world’s largest research study to investigate worrying reports that Covid-19 is causing life-threatening strokes.

As Covid-19 cases continue to rise across the globe, this critical research may help to prevent Covid-19-related death and disability. The study will build on the work of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Data Science Centre at Health Data Research UK (HDR UK).   

Announced today, the study uses health data from nearly all UK adults. Having access to large amounts of data will allow the researchers to follow the health of Covid-19 patients. Data analysts will compare stroke in patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 with patients without the virus, to confirm if Covid-19 increases risk of stroke and by how much.

The researchers will also analyse stroke risk and characteristics including age, sex, ethnicity and geography to identify which Covid-19 patients may be most at risk of stroke. Stroke risk due to Covid-19 will be compared to increases in stroke risk due to other infections and cardiovascular conditions.

Dr Rubina Ahmed, Research Director, Stroke Association said: “Stroke already strikes every five minutes and we’re extremely concerned that Covid-19 may lead to more strokes, destroying more lives.

“Equally concerning are reports that stroke patients who have Covid-19 may be younger, and experience more severe effects of stroke, including death [3]. Severe illness due to Covid-19 is a challenge enough– but it’s worrying that a deadly stroke might also be on the way. This new research can help guide the development of new treatments that can prevent life-threatening strokes.”

This research forms part of the CVD-COVID-UK flagship project consortium, which is led by the BHF Data Science Centre at HDR UK. This project consortium aims to understand the relationship between Covid-19 and cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke in the UK population.

Dr William Whiteley, Reader in neurology at the University of Edinburgh and a lead on this research said: “Covid-19 may cause stroke in some patients.  So far studies of Covid and stroke have been small. More data will improve our understanding and give a better idea of the risks of stroke after Covid-19 infection.

“With the funding of the Stroke Association and access to the data and research community brought together by the BHF Data Science Centre, the team can use health information from nearly all adults in the UK.

“By working with information specialists, we’ll be able to accurately detect even the smallest increase in risk of stroke across different groups of people. We’re incredibly grateful to have the support of charities to help get this urgent research underway, so that we can better inform patients and health care professionals about Covid-19 and risk of stroke.”

Dr Rubina Ahmed continues: “We will be living with Covid-19 for the foreseeable future and we don’t want to see the pandemic leave more deadly strokes in its wake. Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in the UK and the second biggest killer in the world.

“This research is crucial to our understanding of Covid-19 and strokes, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our income and is threatening life-saving breakthroughs. Now more than ever, we need the public’s support. If you can, please help us find a way through the research funding crisis by donating today, so that we can fund more life-saving research.”  

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke said: “We’ve been supporting stroke survivors throughout the pandemic through our Helpline and our Stroke Association Connect and Here For You services.

“Strokes changes lives in an instant and stroke survivors need support to recover, cope and adapt and those with Covid-19 may have additional needs. We need to be prepared with new knowledge about links between Covid-19 and stroke to support people affected by stroke long into the future.”

Prof Cathie Sudlow, Director of the BHF Data Science Centre at Health Data Research UK said: “The BHF Data Science Centre is delighted to be providing the scientific and data access infrastructure to enable this important Stroke Association-funded research project.

“We look forward to working with and supporting Dr Whiteley and his research team as they generate insights to help people with stroke, their carers and health professionals understand the impact of Covid-19 on stroke risk, and make informed decisions about their treatment and care.”

Over the past 30 years the Stroke Association has played a crucial role in supporting stroke research in the UK. This year, as a result of the pandemic the charity has had to halve its budget for stroke research.

To find out more about research funded by the charity visit stroke.org.uk/research or to donate please go to: stroke.org.uk/donate-research 

Better outcomes for stroke patients in Scotland

The first step towards a national thrombectomy service for stroke patients is underway with the launch of a pilot in the North of Scotland.

Thrombectomy is a highly skilled procedure in which blood clots are removed mechanically rather than broken down by medicines (thrombolysis). It is used to treat those with severe stroke and reduce their risk of long-term disability.

NHS Tayside developed a training programme in Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT), supported by the Scottish Government. Key staff were trained by Professor Iris Grunwald, one of the UK’s leading stroke thrombectomy interventional neuroradiologists, using advanced simulation techniques.

Initially the thrombectomy procedures in Dundee will be performed on patients in Tayside before the service is extended to patients across the North.

A fully operational 24/7 service is anticipated in Tayside by 2023, and will form part of a national network in line with the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government commitment.

In the West of Scotland, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus will provide a ‘hub’ thrombectomy service for the West of Scotland by 2023, while the NHS Lothian service will also be operating from the Little France site within the same timeframe.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Over the past 10 years, the number of people dying from stroke in Scotland has decreased by more than 35%. While this is significant progress, we can still achieve even better outcomes.

“A quality and clinically safe thrombectomy service is part of our wider commitment in this year’s Programme for Government to ensure those who experience severe stroke receive the best possible treatment and care.

“It is testament to our healthcare professions that we are now seeing this first step towards a national roll-out, despite the additional pressures placed on them during the pandemic and I want to thank them for their hard work.

“Funding will continue to be made available to other boards to develop the programme and the framework.”

Honorary consultant interventional radiologist in NHS Tayside Professor Graeme Houston said: “We are delighted to be able to launch this service to provide mechanical thrombectomy for patients in the North of Scotland.

“Thrombectomy delivers a significant benefit for some patients who have sudden onset of stroke with significantly improved outcomes and a reduced level of disability.”

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Chief Executive Jane-Claire Judson said: “It’s good that we are seeing tangible progress towards thrombectomies being available to stroke patients in Scotland. 

“People in Scotland must be given the best possible chance of living without disability or dependency after a stroke.  We know that at least 600 people a year in Scotland would benefit from a thrombectomy. Developing the skills to deliver this procedure is a key part of establishing the service in Scotland.

“This progress is being driven by inspirational stroke survivors campaigning for change.  Together, we will keep campaigning to make sure that this game-changing stroke treatment is available as soon as possible.”

The Stroke Association in Scotland welcomes the announcement that mechanical thrombectomy is to be made available to some Scots for the first time since 2018.

This is a long overdue but a significant first step towards delivery of a national thrombectomy service for the whole of Scotland which should be in place by 2023.

Thrombectomy is vital. Around 700 stroke patients are eligible for the procedure in Scotland each year. Patients who have a stroke caused by a large blood clot in the brain would potentially benefit from a thrombectomy procedure.

It involves inserting a catheter into an artery, usually within six hours of someone having their stroke, to remove the blood clot. This allows blood flow to resume and oxygen to reach brain tissue.

The treatment can dramatically reduce the devastating consequences of stroke such as losing the ability to walk and talk. Around one in three people who receive a thrombectomy after their stroke will be less disabled as a result, and around one in five of those who receive it will be able to function completely independently afterwards.

Andrea Cail, Director Scotland for the Stroke Association said: “Thrombectomy is a game-changing treatment, and it is good to finally have it available in Scotland again. But it is only the first step. Stroke is now a clinical priority in Scotland and restarting a thrombectomy service for those need it will be the difference between living or dying; living permanently disabled or without any disabilities at all.

“Thrombectomy is an extraordinary, highly-specialised, procedure that can save lives, reduce disability and is absolutely cost effective. One thrombectomy patient is estimated to save the NHS £47,000 over a five year period.

“We congratulate everyone involved in the North of Scotland thrombectomy planning group on making this happen. We know it’s not been easy. It has required serious commitment from everyone involved. By working together, hundreds of people affected by stroke and their families will benefit over the next few years.

“All Scots deserve the same. Thrombectomy must also be made available to the larger population centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh as soon as possible.

“We urge all those involved in developments for these next two sites to work together with purpose, and for the Scottish Government and Health Boards involved to urgently resolve or remove any barriers towards implementation and delivery.  The time it has taken and is taking Health Boards to sort this out is lengthy and unacceptable.”

Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman, consultant neurologist in Edinburgh and President of the British Association of Stroke Physicians, says: “Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke is one of the most effective treatments in modern medicine.

“We knew this in 2015. In the last five years, about 45 people in Scotland have had this treatment, but about 700 people should have it each year. I am relieved that this dire disservice to patients with stroke is beginning to come to an end in Tayside. Patients elsewhere in Scotland deserve the same.”

Case study

Norrie Andrews, 77, from Glasgow had his stroke in Majorca last year.  Only a few days into the holiday, Anne, Norrie’s partner, had gone to check on some electricity issues they had been experiencing.  On her return, she found Norrie slumped over the side of his chair unable to talk and unable to move.  Norrie had had a massive stroke. 

He was taken to the local hospital quickly, and was administered with thrombolysis, a drug to break up the clot.  Unfortunately the thrombolysis had no effect and the doctors decided Norrie would benefit from thrombectomy. He was immediately transferred to Son Espases University Hospital in Palma.

 Anne had to give consent for Norrie to undergo thrombectomy (on his behalf.)  It felt like an endless series of questions and forms that needed answered. 

The procedure took 15 minutes and when Anne went up to the intensive care unit to see him she was amazed.  He was alert, his speech was starting to come back and some movement too. They could hardly believe how something so horrifying had turned on its head.

Norrie still had some mild impairments, but the seriousness of his disability was saved (they believe,) by thrombectomy.  And just over two weeks later, Norrie walked out of hospital without any difficulty and his speech was fine. 

Anne said: “The doctors told me that had Norrie not had thrombectomy, he would never have been out of a wheelchair or spoken again. I was so relieved to hear this and we both felt very fortunate to have been in Majorca at the time.

“After returning home, I discovered thrombectomy would not have been available at the time of Norrie’s stroke. I was amazed to think a small island like Majorca had the treatment my husband so badly needed. Norrie is now back to his old life again. 

“He walks every day and I am thrilled he has started to play golf again. He keeps his brain ticking over with puzzles, crosswords and word searches.  He’s seeing his friends now, which has lifted his spirits and I’m able to see my own friends too.

“I am thrilled to hear thrombectomy is available in Scotland now.  Stroke is a devastating illness and the disability caused by a stroke can be lifelong, destroying lives. I hope now there will be more people in Scotland making better recoveries from stroke because of thrombectomy.”

Letters: Creating a step change in the health of the nation

Scottish charities call to cut deaths from our biggest killers

Dear Editor,

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lung disease and diabetes are responsible for around two thirds of all deaths in Scotland – around 39,000 every year – and are among the world’s biggest killers. And yet sadly deaths from these conditions are often preventable. The burden of these diseases on families and on our society cannot be underestimated.

This week, as a global campaign takes place raising awareness of the impact of these non-communicable diseases (NCDs), we have come together – representing ten of Scotland’s leading health charities – to call for action.

We believe many of these deaths and lost healthy years of life are preventable through addressing modifiable and societal risk factors. Official statistics estimate that each year around 14,000 deaths in Scotland could be prevented through public health interventions.

As a collective, we have set out a series of priorities to tackle three of the biggest risk factors that affect people today – tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets – to improve the health of everyone in Scotland.

Evidence shows the environment around us heavily influences whether we smoke, the amount of alcohol we drink and what we eat. The visibility of products on our high streets and the way they are marketed all contribute to Scotland having one of the lowest healthy life expectancies in Western Europe.

This is particularly true in our most deprived communities where levels of smoking, harmful alcohol use and overweight and obesity are often at their highest. Research shows us that this is in part due to the higher presence of outlets in these areas selling alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food and drink. We must act now to ensure that the healthy choice is an easy choice for everyone in Scotland.

Covid-19 has also provided a wake-up call on these issues. We are becoming aware of possible links between smoking, alcohol intake and obesity on the severity of Covid-19 infections, highlighting the need to take action now more than ever as we continue to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scotland has been a pioneer in public health. It was the first country in the UK to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces and the first in the world to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol.

In this week of awareness, we are calling on all political parties to place the prevention of Scotland’s biggest killers as a priority and to give a strong commitment, ahead of next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections, to work with us to create a step change in the health of the nation.

Yours sincerely,

Alison Douglas, Chief Executive, Alcohol Focus Scotland
Shelia Duffy, Chief Executive, ASH Scotland
Lorraine Tulloch, Programme Lead, Obesity Action Scotland
Lindsay Paterson, Interim Director, SHAAP
Joseph Carter, Head of the Devolved Nations, Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation
Michelle Mitchell OBE, Chief Executive, Cancer Research UK
Andrea Cail, Scotland Director, Stroke Association
Angela Mitchell, National Director, Diabetes Scotland

Stroke: Act FAST!

A stroke survivor is appealing to people to call 999 if they think they’re having a stroke.

The call comes following interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gregor Smith’s statement that some hospital wards are “eerily quiet” amid the coronavirus outbreak.  Charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are concerned that people are putting off going to hospital because of the virus and don’t want to be a burden on the NHS. 

Debbie, 44 from Comrie, has joined forces with the charity to remind people that stroke is a medical emergency and that people still need to seek medical attention if they think they’re having a stroke. 

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is urging people to act FAST and call 999 as soon as you experience symptoms.

FAST is a simple acronym to remind people of the key signs of stroke: 

FACE – Can the person smile, does one side of their face droop?

ARM – Can they lift both arms? Is one weak?

SPEECH – Is their speech slurred or muddled?

TIME – If these symptoms are present, call 999

Debbie Matthew, stroke survivor from Comrie, said: “If my husband hadn’t called 999 so quickly and I hadn’t gone to hospital straight away, I can’t bear to think about what position I would find myself in today. 

“It’s been 4 years since I had my stroke and I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I’m just so thankful that my family were able to get me the help I so desperately needed.

 “FAST has become really important to my family. My son, Finlay, got such a fright seeing me after my stroke that he decided spread the FAST message to local school children.

“Finlay feels that it’s especially important for children to learn the message so that that they know what to do if they find themselves alone with a parent or grandparent who might be experiencing a stroke. 

“Hearing that people might not be seeking emergency help is terrifying, it’s more important now than ever to make sure people know to Think FAST and call 999 if you think you’re having a stroke.” 

Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “Stroke doesn’t stop because of coronavirus; it can happen at any time and anywhere. 

“By the end of today, 25 people across Scotland will have suffered a stroke. The same will happen tomorrow. 

“Coronavirus is at the forefront of our minds right now, but it’s vital that people don’t forget that a stroke is a medical emergency. NHS stroke staff are on-hand to help you and save people’s lives.

 “It is important that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke and phone 999 immediately if someone needs urgent medical attention. 

“These symptoms aren’t something for deliberation, if you see these signs, act FAST and save a life.”

 Scottish Conservative health spokesman Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said: “NHS Scotland have rightly shifted their focus to fighting to Covid-19, but people are still going to get ill and emergency services are continuing as normal.

“It is vital that if you, or someone you are with, is showing symptoms of having a stroke, that you call 999 immediately, to be taken to hospital. The FAST acronym is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke – Face, Arms, Speech and Time.

“This is an important message, not just for people who are showing signs of a stroke, but for anyone who is having a medical emergency during the Coronavirus outbreak, call 999 immediately.”

New approach to informing stroke research priorities

The Stroke Association is calling on people affected by stroke in Scotland to have their say on what stroke research should be taking place.   

There are over 14,000 strokes every year in Scotland and about 128,000 stroke survivors rebuilding their lives. For the first time, the Stroke Association is funding an ambitious new project to determine the future of stroke research.

The Stroke Association is working with stroke survivors and their carers, health and social care bodies, the James Lind Alliance, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and other charities to deliver a set of priorities for stroke research that work best for the people that matter most. 

Andrea Cail, Director Scotland at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do.  It affects people differently, it could be anything ranging from affecting speech and physical ability, to affecting your emotions and personality.

“The good news is that stroke research continues to find new treatments, and also ways to improve how we can help more people live independently in their own home, return to work and rebuild lives.  

“However, we want future stroke research to address the things that matter most to everyone affected by stroke and make the biggest difference to the lives of stroke survivors. Through this initiative we will develop a defined set of research priorities for stroke. But, if we are to be successful, we need everyone in Scotland who has been affected by stroke to engage with this project. 

“If you’re a stroke survivor, or support a loved one who has had a stroke, this is your chance to make your views and voices heard. We invite you to get involved as stroke impacts on so many people in our communities.

“Our survey is open to those closely affected by stroke, from stroke survivors and the family members who support them, to people who work with stroke survivors.”

Ruth Lyle, from Hawick who had a stroke in 2017 and is involved in the project said: “I really welcome the move the charity is making in involving people affected by stroke to come up with a set of research priorities. 

“I took an interest in being a member of the Steering Group because there are certain areas of stroke that I think we need to know more about. All those affected by stroke – not just researchers – should get the opportunity to feed into this piece of work. 

“We need to know what is important to those individuals. I would encourage people affected by stroke to get involved with the JLA project and complete this short survey to tell us what stroke issues matter most to you.”

The Stroke Association has been at the forefront of stroke research for the past 30 years. In Scotland, the charity funded early research into thrombectomy, the game-changing treatment that can gives stroke patients a better chance of living the best life they can after stroke.

The Stroke Association also continues to fund cutting-edge research in Scotland. For example, they are currently funding research into how those affected by stroke can be supported to manage their recovery more independently, as well as research looking specifically at managing the devastating effects of stroke on mental well-being, like depression and anxiety. 

Have your say for stroke and find out more about the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership at: www.stroke.org.uk/jla.

Your questions can help the Stroke Association and our partners(ii) influence stroke research and answer the questions that matter most to the people affected.

For more information and to have your say visit: www.stroke.org.uk/jla  

Get talking about the JLA PSP on social media using the #MySayforStroke 

Over 14 million UK adults don’t know where a stroke occurs

  • Over a quarter (27%) of the population don’t know that a stroke occurs in the brain – highlighting a lack of knowledge around the UK’s leading cause of disability.
  • Nearly half of UK adults know someone who has had a stroke (20 million people), but most admit to a lack of awareness and understanding needed to support stroke survivors in their recovery.
  • In a separate survey of stroke survivors, more than four out of five (85%) people said the people they had daily contact with did not understand the impact of the stroke.

Startling research unveiled today shows nearly half (45%) of people who know a survivor of stroke personally admitting that they are struggling to support them to make their best possible recovery, according to new findings published today by the Stroke Association.

The research reveals that one important reason for the lack of stroke support for survivors stems from a lack of awareness of what stroke is and how it affects people. Shockingly, more than a quarter (27%) of the public(ii) don’t know where in the body a stroke occurs: the brain. For those that know a stroke survivor, a huge 82%(i) feel that a greater understanding of stroke would help them support the survivor better.  All this, despite stroke being the country’s leading cause of disability.

The research(i) also found that of those who know someone personally who has had a stroke:

  • Nine in 10 (95%) agreed that family and friends play an essential role in the recovery process.
  • Nearly half (46%) admitted wanting to do more to help the stroke survivor that they knew but lacked the knowledge to do so.
  • Nearly a fifth (18%) say they do not properly understand the overall impact of the condition.

In a separate survey (iii) of stroke survivors, more than four out of five (85%) of stroke survivors said the people they had daily contact with did not understand the impact of the stroke. This ‘knowledge gap’ is preventing survivors getting the support they need from those closest to them, and stopping survivors from making the best possible recovery to rebuild their lives after stroke.

Tom Middlemass from Edinburgh had a stroke at the age of 52.  He was at work at the time when it happened. All he remembers is not being able to talk or get up.  He had lost the ability to communicate and wasn’t able to walk.

When the emergency services arrived, he was taken straight to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he remained in hospital for several days.  Tom couldn’t talk for three days and he had to learn to walk again.

Tom and his wife Joanne didn’t know anything about stroke including the fact it can affect your ability to communicate.  So Joanne had to find ways to help him whilst struggling to grasp the enormity of it all herself. She wrote things down, she tried to encourage Tom to talk, but it was hard to stop herself from finishing sentences for him.

Tom said: “Coming home made me realise just how much my life had completely changed. Everything changed for me: physically, emotionally and financially. I found myself going into deep depression.  I called it my ‘black, evil dog’.

“I couldn’t get out of bed in the morning. My life felt like a tunnel that I couldn’t escape from. There was no light at the other end.  The whole family were aware of it, but didn’t really know what to do and how to help me.”

Joanne, Tom’s wife said: “There’s nothing more distressing than knowing you have to help the person you love get better, but not knowing how to do it. And it wasn’t until Tom starting talking about his depression, that he started to turn the corner.  

“He’s never been one to talk easily about his feelings, but something had to change. Since then, Tom has gained confidence from volunteering with the Stroke Association in Scotland. He still has good days and bad days, but things are definitely better than they were.”

The charity published these findings to mark the launch of its newest campaign, Rebuilding Lives, which aims to showcase the challenges faced by stroke survivors and those who support them with their recoveries.

Other findings reveal the damaging effects that stroke can have on social networks and relationships:

  • More than one in 10 respondents admitted to seeing the survivor less after the latter had a stroke.
  • More than one in six of those who know a stroke survivor, admitted spending less time with them because the latter was perceived as not being the same person following the stroke.
  • A quarter (25%) said there had been a drop in social activity on the part of the stroke survivor.

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of Stroke Association, comments: “A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. The impact varies depending on which part of the brain is affected.

“It could be anything from wiping out your speech and physical abilities, to affecting your emotions and personality. So, it’s a real challenge for everyone as they come to grips with this sudden and life changing event. These findings highlight the complexity of stroke and raises the desperate need amongst people to understand the impact of stroke in order to better support their loved ones.

“There are over 1.2 million stroke survivors living in the UK of which 124,000 are from Scotland.  Many of those are reliant on their friends and family, from help with daily living to understanding their emotional and mental health needs.  

“It doesn’t have to be this way. We’re urging those people who know someone who has had a stroke, to help turn this around and fill this knowledge gap. Reach out to the Stroke Association for help, so that together we can support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives.”

For more information about Rebuilding Lives or about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk/rebuildinglives.

For more information about what you can expect after a stroke, the Stroke Association has partnered with the Royal College of Physicians to produce an easy to read booklet accessible here: https://tinyurl.com/yyqj638z