Recovery

If you have had a stroke due to sickle cell disease (SCD), you may be asked to come to the sickle neurology clinic at Guy’s Hospital.

You will seen by:

• your consultant haematologist who looks after your SCD
• a consultant neurologist (specialist dealing with the functions of the brain)
• a clinical or health psychologist

If your stroke was not due to SCD, the stroke team will see you. 

Neuropsychological assessment

You might be offered a neuropsychological assessment by a psychologist. This assesses the way the stroke may have affected your memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. 

This is helpful because it identifies your strengths and limitations, and helps us provide strategies to help you cope with your everyday activities, working life, or studies. 

The assessment is made up of several spoken, written and puzzle-type tasks. 

These tasks are designed to assess various skills and thought processes such as your:

• reading ability 
• memory
• language skills
• concentration
• problem-solving skills
• perception (interpreting what we see)

Each test varies in length. Often, they can be enjoyable, but you may find some a little difficult. The length of the assessment can vary, but normally takes about 5 hours, carried out in 2 appointments.

After the assessment

There will be a report written based on your results. The psychologist will invite you back for another appointment to discuss the results with you, and explore ways you can cope with your difficulties.  

Psychological support

The sickle cell disease service has a team of psychologists who can help you and your family to cope with life after having a stroke. 

Patients can refer themselves to this service and can have face-to-face, video, or phone appointments. They also run weekly support groups for people with SCD.

The psychologists can help you think about how to cope with challenges after having a stroke. This includes looking at how others can support you such as your healthcare team, employer or tutor. 

You can be referred to the service by asking one of your nurses or doctors, or by contacting the service directly by phone or email. Phone: 020 7188 2718, email: [email protected] 

Driving after a stroke

If you have had a stroke, or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), you cannot drive for 1 month. 

Some people will be able to drive after the minimum period, but others will have to stop for longer. 

You will also need to notify your insurer, and you might need to inform the DVLA.

The Stroke Association provides information about driving after a stroke.   

More information

The NHS website has more information about strokes, including recovery, and support for families.

The Stroke Association is a charity that provides information and support for all people in the UK affected by stroke. 

www.stroke.org.uk