Beyond Brain Injury
Stroke
Stroke affects everyone differently and can happen to anyone at any age. Stroke is an injury to an area of the brain that can impact a person’s ability to think, speak, swallow, see, feel, touch, and move their body. Stroke also has an impact on a person’s relationships.
The human brain is fed by blood carrying oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels called arteries. A stroke happens when blood cannot get to a person’s brain because of a burst or blocked artery. As a result, brain cells die due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. While each scenario is different, the sooner emergency treatment is delivered the greater the chance of a successful outcome. The extent of these kinds of changes after a stroke will depend on which part of your brain was impacted and by how much.
Just like every brain injury, a stroke affect each person differently. As you’ll discover by reading the stories that follow, a stroke affects the entire family and we aim to help the broader family through this traumatic event.
“With the right individualised support a fulfilling life after stroke is indeed possible.”
Aphasia is a communication disorder that many people post stroke have to deal with and is an injury to the language parts of the brain. Aphasia can impact the way a person uses or understands word, but aphasia does not impair a person’s intelligence. People who have aphasia may have difficulty speaking and finding the right words to complete their thoughts, which can be very frustrating. With the right support and rehabilitation many people can improve their communication, speech and confidence.
At Headstart we have been supporting people after stroke since 1987. Here are just a handful of our consumer stories to inspire hope:
Moving forward
Neil celebrates his stroke anniversary each year being thankful that he’s alive, and taking on a new challenge. Having been a cyclist pre-stroke Neil loves getting out onto the Fernleigh Track each week with his support workers.
A stroke at seven
Stroke can strike young, and Gabbi had one at just 7 yeas of age. Now, over twenty years later Gabbi aims to be as independent as possible, acknowledging that there are areas she needs help with.
A new beginning
Eddie wanted to get back to work, but after a series of strokes he is affected by Aphasia. Lacking confidence to continue working in Marketing & Communications Eddie has has just completed study to work as a Physiotherapy Assistant.
One hand wonder
Cathy admits that life’s not easy after her stroke in 2009 and shares candidly about her frustration with aphasia, memory issues and ongoing pain. But despite the challenges she makes the most of each day, with brush in hand.
Mark & Tracey’s Stroke Story
Tracey shares about the ongoing impact on the life of her husband Mark after his first stroke in 2011. More than ten years later they continue to work on Mark's rehab and recovery. With help a little help from Headstart they manage to keep smiling.
“Life after brain injury... make it happen”
