Strokesaurus

Word Definition

Secondary Care

Care provided in hospital.


For similar information see What to expect in the first few days

Secondary care is a type of health care. 

It is when you go to hospital.


See What to expect in the first few days

Seizure

Uncontrolled movements or change in behaviour caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.


For similar information see Brain and Cognitive

A seizure is when you lose control of your muscles. 

Your body shakes. 


See Brain and Cognitive

Shoulder Subluxation

Changes in the muscles may cause the arm bone to sit slightly lower in the shoulder socket. This makes arm movements difficult and can be painful.

 

For similar information see Arm and hand function

Shoulder subluxation is a problem with your shoulder. 

It can be caused by changes in your muscles.

Your arm bone may sit slightly lower in your shoulder socket.

This can be painful. 

It can make it difficult to move your arm. 

 

See Arm and hand function

Sickle Cell Disease

A blood disease that  causes the red blood cells to get stuck in the arteries and therefore can cause strokes.


For similar information see Types of stroke

Sickle cell disease is a blood disease. 

It causes red blood cells to get stuck in your arteries. 

This can cause strokes.


See Types of stroke

Social Worker

A social worker can help to manage the emotional, social and financial impact of stroke. They can help plan for life after stroke.


For similar information see Emotions or Legal and financial support

A social worker is a type of health worker. 

When you have a stroke, a social worker can help you with: 

  • Emotions
  • Relationships 
  • Finances
  • Help at home

They can help you plan for life after stroke.


See Emotions or Legal and financial support

Spasticity

Also known as hypertonia. High muscle tone where the affected muscles are stiff or tight.


For similar information see Arm and hand function or Leg functioning

Spasticity is when your muscles are stiff or tight. 

It is also called hypertonia

 

See Arm and hand function or Leg functioning

Speech Pathologist

A speech pathologist can assess someone to see if they can swallow safely after a stroke. Speech pathologists will also help if you have trouble speaking or understanding what is said to you.


For similar information see Speech and language

A speech pathologist is a type of health worker. 

They can help you if you have problems swallowing. 

They can also help you if you have trouble speaking or understanding what people say to you.


See Speech and language

Standard Alcoholic Drink

An alcoholic drink that contains 10 grams of alcohol. This is the amount of alcohol a healthy liver can break down in an hour. Approximately equal to one pot (also known as a middy) (10 oz or 285 ml glass) of full strength beer, one glass (100 ml) of table wine or one nip (30 ml) of spirits.


For similar information see Prevention

A standard alcoholic drink contains 10 grams of alcohol. 

This is the amount of alcohol that a healthy liver can break down in an hour. 

It is about one pot (or middy) (285 ml) of beer. 

It is about one glass (100 ml) of wine. 

It is about one nip (30 ml) of spirits. 


See Prevention

Statin

A drug used to reduce cholesterol levels.


For similar information see Procedures

Statin is a type of medicine. 

It is used to reduce your cholesterol level.


See Procedures

Stem Cell Therapy

Treatment in which stem cells are used to treat specific cell types in order to repair damaged or destroyed cells or tissues.


For similar information see Types of stroke

Stem cell therapy is a type of medical treatment. 

Stem cells are special kinds of cells. 

They can repair damaged or dead cells or tissues.


See Types of stroke

Stenosis

Narrowing of an artery due to the buildup of plaque on the inside wall of the artery.


For similar information see Types of stroke

Stenosis is when an artery gets narrower. 

Plaque builds up on the inside wall. 

This makes is harder for blood to flow. 


See Types of stroke

Stent

A short tube of stainless steel mesh, inserted at the part of the artery which is to be widened by angioplasty.


For similar information see Types of stroke

A stent is used in surgery. 

It is a short tube of stainless steel mesh. 

The doctor will put it into an artery. 

It widens the artery. 

It is used in an operation called angioplasty.


See Types of stroke

Strabismus

Crossed eyes. This can happen if the nerves that make the eyes move are damaged, and the eyes cannot be moved to the same position.

 

For similar information see Sensory changes

Strabismus is when your eyes are crossed. 

It can happen when nerves to your eyes are damaged.

You cannot move your eyes to the same position.

 

See Sensory changes

Stroke

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Blood is carried to the brain by blood vessels called arteries. Blood contains oxygen and important nurtrients for your brain cells. Blood may be interrupted or stop moving through an artery because the artery is blocked (ischaemic stroke) or bursts (haemmorhagic stroke). When brain cells do not get enough oxygen or nutrients, they die.


For similar information see Types of stroke

A stroke happens when blood can’t get to your brain.

Your brain is fed by blood vessels called arteries. 

Blood contains oxygen and food for your brain cells.

Sometimes an artery is blocked or bursts. 

The blood can’t get through to your brain cells. 

If your brain cells do not get enough oxygen, they die.


See Types of stroke

Stroke Support Group

A group of stroke survivors and carers who meet regularly and provide information and support to each other.

 

For support groups in your area, see Support Groups

A stroke support group is a group of people who have had a stroke. 

The group meets regularly to share information and help each other.

 

See Support Groups

Stroke Unit

A set area in a hospital where a specialised stroke team look after people.


For similar information see Who will be involved in my care

A stroke unit is a special area in a hospital. 

It looks after people who have had a stroke.


See Who will be involved in my care

Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH)

A type of haemorrhagic stroke where there is bleeding over the surface of the brain.


For similar information see Types of stroke

A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a type of stroke. 

This type of stroke happens when there is bleeding on the surface of the brain.

 

See Types of stroke

Subluxation

A joint problem that often happens in the shoulder after a stroke. Changes in the muscles may cause the arm bone to sit slightly lower in the shoulder socket. This makes arm movements difficult and can be painful.

 

For similar information see Arm and hand function

Subluxation is a problem in a joint.

It often happens in the shoulder after a stroke.

It can be caused by changes in your muscles.

Your arm bone may sit slightly lower in your shoulder socket.

This can be painful.

It can make it difficult to move your arm. 

 

See Arm and hand function