Stroke Awareness Month

Currently there are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK living with the long-term effects of a stroke, which can include weakness or paralysis, tiredness and fatigue and communication problems.

In 2020/21, there were approximately 128.7 thousand hospital admissions for stroke in the UK.*

Matthew Brown, Senior Legal Executive at Medical Solicitors explains why it is important to act quickly and seek medical attention if you think that you or a loved one is having a stroke. He also shares the details of two recent cases that Medical Solicitors have represented where clients have been left with permanent injuries due to stroke negligence.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a serious life-threatening condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

There are three types of stroke:

• Ischaemic – where the blood supply is stopped because of a blood clot, these account for 85% of cases

• Haemorrhagic – where a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts

• Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – also known as a ‘mini stroke’ and occurs when the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted (a TIA should still be treated as a medical emergency)

Stroke strikes every 5 minutes in the UK and can happen to anyone at any age or time, the consequences can be devastating and, in some cases, life threatening.

Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential once the signs of a stroke are spotted - the sooner a person receives treatment, the less damage is likely to happen.

The Stroke Association launched the FAST campaign in 2005, which served as a catalyst for raising awareness and the priority given to stroke. The campaign ensured fast treatmentfor survivors and drove improvement in acute stroke care and outcomes.

What is the FAST test?

• Facial weakness: can the person smile/has their face/eye drooped?

• Arm weakness: can they raise their arms?

• Speech problems: can they speak clearly and understand you?

• Time to call 999.

Risk factors for stroke

Strokes usually don’t follow any warning and are difficult to predict, although certain risk factors have been identified, including smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and family history of stroke.

What are the long-term complications of stroke?

• Paralysis or loss of movement in the affected muscles.
• Difficulty talking or swallowing (Dysarthria, dysphagia or aphasia).
• Memory loss or thinking difficulties. Difficulty in making judgments, reasoning and understanding concepts.
• Emotional problems.
• Pain, numbness or other bizarre sensations.
• Sensitivity to temperature changes, particularly extreme cold, following a stroke (central stroke pain or central pain syndrome).
• Changes in behaviour and self-care ability.

Case Studies – Stroke Compensation

In this case study below, Matthew explains how a delay by staff on an Acute Stroke Ward to recognise the signs and symptoms of a stroke and the failure to administer thrombolysis (a treatment to dissolve blood clots), left his client with permanent paralysis.

In 2013, our client, ‘C’ felt a sudden aching sensation in her right arm and believed she was having stroke. Paramedics attended at her home and said she was ‘FAST’ positive. C’s symptoms improved during the blue light transfer to hospital and after assessment was told it was a possible TIA, or mini stroke.

A CT scan was said to be “unremarkable”, therefore C was admitted to the Acute Stroke Ward for observation. At around 3am, C reported increasing weakness in her right hand but was reassured by a healthcare assistant and encouraged to sleep.

When she woke up, C was paralysed down her right side. A consultant physician noted that it was “disappointing not considered for thrombolysis”.

C was diagnosed as having suffered a stroke. She remained in hospital and underwent physiotherapy treatment. Upon discharge from hospital she required round the clock care, having previously been extremely fit and active. She has not regained any significant use of her right hand and arm.

The case settled for £400,000 in an out of court settlement.

Compensation for stroke after osteopathy

Another stroke related claim we have settled is that of a man in his 40s who had two strokes after osteopathy treatment.

Caroline Moore settled this claim for £825,000, with the substantial special damages element of the compensation including a claim for the fact the claimant 'C' had to sell his successful online business due to his inability to work following the strokes.

C went to the osteopathy in 2017 to help alleviate hand pain and neck stiffness. The osteopath performed a high velocity thrust (HVT) on C's neck. After this, C started with symptoms such as severe headaches and neck pain, dizziness, and visual disturbances. He went back to the osteopath and, despite being aware of C's symptoms, they performed more neck manipulation.

C ended up being admitted to hospital where he had two cerebullar strokes in two days. He has permanent brain damage and his physical and mental recovery has plateaued to the point where further progress is unlikely. 

Making a stroke medical negligence claim

Our friendly team of specialist lawyers are experienced in bringing successful stroke negligence claims.

A successful compensation claim can support the cost of the rehabilitation care, home adaptations, and any other treatment a person needs while recovering from a stroke. It can also include a claim for financial losses due to being unable to work both now and in the future.. 

If you have been affected by stroke negligence in the last three years, you may have a claim for compensation. Call our team on 0114 250 7100 to see if we can help you rebuild your life. We offer No Win No Fee agreements so you have nothing to lose by getting in touch.