Stroke is one of the major causes of illness, disability and death in people as they get older.  It is caused by an interruption to part of the blood supply to the brain, and often occurs without warning.  In Ireland it is estimated that over 8,000 people develop a stroke each year, 5 out of 6 of these happen in people over the age of 60.  There are approximately 30,000 people with residual disability from stroke in Ireland – residual disability includes inability to walk, requiring help with daily living activities, speech problems and mood problems.  Certain risk factors greatly increase your risk of a stroke including high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, being overweight and being inactive.

Treatments for stroke and rehabilitation after stroke are improving across the world.  Stroke patients who receive specialist care in a stroke unit are more likely to be alive and living at home a year after their stroke than those managed in a general medical ward.  The introduction of thrombolysis (medication to dissolve a stroke causing clot) will, in certain specific situations, confer additional improvements.  Medications and lifestyle modification can reduce your risk of a stroke or recurrent stroke.   

This public meeting will look at treatments for stroke, the importance of prevention both to prevent a first stroke (primary prevention) and reduce the risk of another stroke (secondary prevention). It will also look at the key role played by rehabilitation in recovery from stroke in order to reduce disability and maximise independence.

Date: Tuesday June 15 2010, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Venue:
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, No.6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2

Programme:

Chair:  Mr George Hook, Broadcaster

Speakers:
Dr Rachael Doyle, Consultant Physician and Gerontologist, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, and St Colmcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown
Recognising and managing the condition; risk factors; treatments available
Please note: Any material contained in this presentation cannot be used, referenced or duplicated without consent from the speaker

Ms Imelda Noone, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin
Stroke Prevention
Please note: Any material contained in this presentation cannot be used, referenced or duplicated without consent from the speaker

Dr Frances Horgan, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Please note: Any material contained in this presentation cannot be used, referenced or duplicated without consent from the speaker

Mr Denis Healy, Organic Delights, Temple Bar, Dublin

Panel:
Dr Joe Harbison, Consultant Stroke Physician and Geriatrician,  St James's Hospital, Dublin

Continuing Medical Education (CME)
This meeting is approved for 2 CME credits

Public Meeting Information:
Joanna Holly, Office of the Executive, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Frederick House, 19 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2. T: 353 1 863 9743, F: 863 1 672 4707, E: joannaholly@rcpi.ie