Stroke Patient Portfolio (PDF) - Buckinghamshire County Council

Carotid arteryCarotid DopplerCarotidEndarterectomyCerebellumCerebrumCholesterolCT scanCognitionCVADDeep VeinThrombosisDysarthriaDysphagiaDysphasiaThere are two carotid arteries on each side of the neckwhich carry blood from the heart to the head, notably theface and front of the brain. Disease of a carotid artery is acommon cause of stroke.An ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries to check bloodflow to the brain.Surgical operation to remove obstructions (usually fattytissue or a blood clot) from inside an arteryThe part of the brain that controls co-ordination and fine(delicate) movement and may also play a part in highermental functions.The largest part of the brain, made up of the left and righthemispheres.A fatty substance made in the liver and also presentin some foods, which is vital to the body’s normalfunctioning. If present in excess, it can be deposited in thewall of the arteries to produce atheroma.Computed Tomography. A scan of the brain which canshow the type of stroke that has occurred and locationin the brain.This is a way to describe a person’s thinking processesincluding concentration, memory and planning skills.Cerebral Vascular Accident. Previous name for Stroke.This is a blood clot usually in the leg. The signs of a DVTare pain, redness, tightness and swelling in the leg. Thelower leg often feels hot to touch.Weakness of muscles involved in speech resulting inslurred speech.Swallowing problems resulting from a stroke.Problems with understanding and forming speech. Thiscondition can also affect reading and writing.22