Stroke

Definition

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) resulting in persistent neurological deficits means a definite diagnosis of an acute cerebrovascular event caused by intracranial thrombosis or haemorrhage, or embolism from an extracranial source, with:

• acute onset of new neurological symptoms, and
• new objective neurological deficits on clinical examination,

persisting for more than 30 consecutive days following the date of diagnosis. 

These new symptoms and deficits must be corroborated by diagnostic imaging testing showing changes that are consistent in character, location and timing with the new persistent neurological deficits.

The diagnosis of stroke (cerebrovascular accident) must be made by a specialist.  The insured person must survive for 30 days following the date of diagnosis.

New neurological deficits must be detectable by a physician and may include, but are not restricted to:

• measurable loss of hearing
• objective loss of sensation
• paralysis
• localized weakness
• dysarthria (difficulty with pronunciation) 
• dysphasia (difficulty with speech)
• dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
• measurable visual impairment
• impaired gait (difficulty walking)
• difficulty with balance
• lack of coordination
• new onset seizures undergoing treatment or
• measurable changes in neuro-cognitive function

Headache or fatigue will not be considered a neurological deficit.

Exclusion

No benefit is payable under this condition for:

• transient ischaemic attacks
• intracerebral vascular events due to trauma, or
• lacunar infarcts which do not meet the definition of stroke as described above.