Stroke and Arteriovenous Malformation

Strokes can happen in different parts of the brain, resulting in different symptoms. Arteriovenous malformations occur at birth and mimics stroke symptoms.

What is a Stroke, or Arteriovenous Malformation?

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain has been interrupted, and it can happen in many different ways:

  • A blood clot or narrowing has cut off the blood supply - this is an ischaemic stroke
  • A weakened blood vessel has burst - this is a haemorrhagic stroke
  • A mini stroke caused by blocked blood supply up to 24 hours - this is a transient ischaemic attack

An abnormal tangle of blood vessels that develops shortly before or after birth are called arteriovenous malformations (AVM), which often mimics stroke symptoms. The blood vessels in the brain are like a network of roads all leading to different areas, and these different areas of the brain are responsible for doing different things, which is why the challenges after stroke or AVM often vary.

When looking out for the signs that someone is having a stroke, remember the word 'FAST':

  • Face - or mouth or eye dropping on one side or unable to smile
  • Arms - unable to lift both arms and keep them there due to numbness or weakness in one arm
  • Speech - garbled, slurred, or unable to talk; may have problems understanding what's being said
  • Time - if the signs are there, it's time to dial 999 immediately

How Can Stroke Affect You?

As stroke can happen in multiple parts of the brain, the symptoms experienced after can vary.

An individual may see changes in emotions or moods, personality, movement or coordination, memory, muscle tone, sexual function, swallowing difficulties, and the ability to talk, read, or write.

Stroke can also result in post-stroke fatigue, recurring headaches, brain fog, and sensory challenges.

While this may sound daunting, we as neurological occupational therapists can help individuals overcome these common challenges. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, we can help you.

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What Services Can We Provide?

Neurological rehabilitation

Equipment and environment modifications

Independent living skills

Education and training

Neuro Occupational Therapy After Stroke

A stroke may cause changes to the ways your brain and body work together. It may impact your independence, and your valued roles, routines and relationships.

It may also cause changes to what it feels like ‘being you’ and your everyday living may at times feel challenging for you and those around you.

Our neurological occupational therapists are an expert team that understand the challenges you’re facing, and can help you to understand these challenges too.

Rehab after stroke with Krysalis will allow you to feel more independent and in control of the symptoms you’re experiencing. They can educate you and your loved ones on stroke to understand your symptoms, as well as teach you to re-learn or develop skills to improve your independence.

A neuro OT will also put things in place to compensate for your challenges to help support your unique needs. Krysalis neurological occupational therapists can also assist you by suggesting ways you can function better at work, at home, and during everyday activities.

What others says

  • I am always so impressed by the therapist’s commitment to and ongoing understanding of Claire and her situation. I am sure the rest of the family will share my thoughts so please pass on our heartfelt thanks to the therapy team when you next see them. Sister of brain injury survivor
  • I just wanted to drop you a line to say, whenever I call the office, Claire, in particular, is always very charming and efficient. She is a good representative of your company and has a nice phone manner and a good approach to customer service. So, thank you Claire. Mother of brain injury survivor
  • The following will never be enough to illustrate Paul’s journey but we are eternally grateful to the NHS, IM, ILS, Krysalis and the whole infrastructure that has been created for Paul. Yes, Paul is focused, determined and driven but the whole team have created a rehabilitation environment that has changed our life and Pauls future, they have made the thought of life and rehabilitation, turn from the impossible to the possible. Brother of brain injured survivor
  • The thought of having the family undertake this journey alone seems impossible and we will be always grateful. We all recognise that James is still on the rehabilitation journey, but there is no stopping him. He has just walked to Mum’s & Dad’s on his own (phone first to say he’s on his way)... what a way to celebrate the 2-year journey.Brother of brain injured survivor
  • I highly recommend Krysalis Consultancy OT services. Anna has been our life line since she came on board to help my husband following his brain injury. He has improved greatly thanks to Anna’s input in assisting him to become independent, teaching him step by step the simple things which we all take for granted. Anna is there for us 100%, teaching us both strategies to enable us to achieve better results.Wife of brain injured survivor
  • Just a short note to thank you very much for your hard work and persistence over the last few months, your guidance has undoubtedly helped and taken the pressure off me (I have benefited from the sessions greatly). I am really encouraged by the last few weeks and optimistic that if Peter keeps working at it he will continue to make good progress.Brother of brain injured survivor

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