Case study
Mabel, a 66-year-old cleaner, had a stroke one month ago. She was discharged from hospital last week, without diagnosis of sight loss, and comes to see you for a check up.
You notice that she has a large bruise on her arm, a grazed cheek and that her movements are a bit wooden.
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Mabel's injuries are consistent with falls and suggest she may have suffered vision loss post stroke.
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Difficulty moving around post stroke may be due to sight loss.
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Vision problems after a stroke are often missed.
Actions for GPs
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Check for sight loss.
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If you suspect sight loss, refer Mabel to an Eye Clinic.
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If Mabel has sight loss:
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Give Mabel the RNIB helpline number (0303 123 9999) for emotional and practical support; the RNIB can provide and direct her to services that will improve her quality of life.
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Encourage Mabel to register her status, which will make it easier for her to receive help from social services and obtain concessions.
Facts
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Visual problems can affect up to two thirds of stroke survivors.16
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Most strokes happen to people who are over the age of 65, but it can occur in all age groups. (Reference 17.)
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There is a lot of help and support available for stroke patients with visual problems. (Reference 17.)
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GPs are in a key position to give and direct patients to appropriate support and services.
Find out more about what you can do... and how we can help