After Stroke: A Case Study

Strokes are caused by a block in the blood supply to the brain which causes a decrease in oxygen and delivery of other important supplies which facilitate proper functioning. Fifteen million cases are reported worldwide annually, although not all of these cases are mortalities, the large prevalence of strokes ranks it as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. (Figueroa) Because of the time sensitivity associated with the lack of resources to the brain, strokes are considered a medical emergency and early recognition of symptoms can help decrease the amount of damage caused . Although strokes do not always cause death, strokes most often leave the individual with some physical and cognitive impairment.

There is evidence to suggest that improved motor recovery occurs when the brain uses the original neural system to control the movement as this is shown to represent "true" recovery. Whereas, if new networks were to form in the unaffected hemisphere of the brain, motor recovery will be reduced. As a result of using these new networks, fine motor control is lost and employment of compensatory movement strategies are associated with a poorer functional outcome (Nudo, 2007). The recovery of motor skills following a stroke, like walking, relies on the brain’s ability

Strokes are one of the major causes of immobility in seniors. Recovery largely depends on the extent of the brain injury and the length of time before treatment. Nonetheless, most seniors require the assistance of a caregiver and this mainly requires planning and organization. Here are some ways you can take care of a senior post -stroke

At least half of stroke survivors are left with some form of permanent disability whether it is physical, cognitive, emotional, social or vocational. A third of people who sustain a stroke remain dependent on others for their care. Many stroke survivors report a decreased level of participation in leisure activities. Engagement in leisure activity is the primary predictor of wellbeing. Occupational therapists are key healthcare professionals working with individuals post-stroke. The main role of occupational therapy is to facilitate post-stroke survivors to engage in meaningful occupations. Going outside and, if possible, driving increased re-engagement in leisure activities. Patients all realized that they now have limitations, which inhibit engagement in leisure. Stroke survivors studied all recognized a need for support to re-engage in leisure activities. An optimistic view toward the future improved their satisfaction in their levels of leisure activity. It is important to engage individual’s past, present and future leisure occupations and remember that these can enhance health, wellbeing and quality of life for stroke survivors. Healthcare professionals need to focus on the transfer of learning to the home setting and social context of recovery rather than improvement in discrete physical body function and body structures alone.

1. Every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke (National Stroke Association, 2014). Some symptoms related with a stroke are headache, blurred vision, trouble speaking, confusion, dizziness and numbness on one side of body. These symptoms are very important to know. Due to how common strokes are it's good to know the warning signs. For every person that dies from stroke, more than 5 times that many will survive, and for them the physical damage it causes can be enormous (National Stroke Association, 2014). Most people who have a stroke are depressed after it's all said and done. They may be paralyzed on one side, have a speech impairment or worse. When you are used to living a certain way and that suddenly changes it can be hard for people to deal with.

Status post cardioembolic cerebrovascular accident with residuals word finding problems and right upper extremity weakness. Currently, he is possibly having an allergic reaction to Plavix.

My research addresses rehabilitation post-stroke, primarily improving lower extremity function. I study factors contributing to compensation, which involves greater than normal use of the non-impaired limb compared to the impaired limb. Compensation can be detrimental to rehabilitation as the impaired limb is underutilized and function cannot be restored. This may lead to weakness and impaired mobility/gait.

Patient is a 79-year-old right-handed white female who presents with her sister for evaluation of a new stroke. She presented to the physician on July 27th for an event that started on July 23rd. She awoke that morning and had decrease use of her left hand. She did not notice any weakness in her arm or any sensory changes. There are no problems with her leg. Walking was fine. There were no other neurological symptoms until she realized when she tried to get her coffee cup that she was unable to coordinate her fingers in her hand well enough to handle the coffee cup. She is having difficulty signing her name. She can print, but the decreased dexterity in her hand is significantly affecting her. She also cannot extend her left pinky finger. She

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term adult disability, affecting approximately 795,000 people each year in the U.S. The very word "stroke" indicates that no one is ever prepared for this sudden, often catastrophic event. Stroke survivors and their families can find workable solutions to most difficultsituations by approaching every problem with patience, ingenuity, perseverance and creativity. Early recovery and rehabilitation can improve functions and sometimes remarkable recoveries for someone who suffered a stroke.Rehabilitation starts in the hospital as soon as possible following a stroke. In patients who are stable, rehabilitation may begin within two days after the stroke has occurred, and should be continued as necessary

What is a stroke? When brain cells die suddenly due to oxygen deprivation, a stroke occurs. Hemorrhagic and ischemic are the 2 main types of stroke. There are many signs and symptoms that indicate a stroke has occurred. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and seeking immediate treatment can reduce the long term effects, improve recovery time, and avoid death. Stroke treatment is reliant on the type of stroke that has occurred. Medications along with lifestyle changes are common forms of treatment. The severity of stroke can range from minimal to severe therefore, rehabilitation time can take weeks or even years. If permanent damage occurs, treatment is aimed at adaptation and learning to live with the loss of function. There are many

D. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity and a healthy diet and lifestyle reduces the risks of strokes (2015).

Approximately 15 million people suffer a stroke worldwide each year, of those 5 million die and another 5 million are permanently disabled Mackay et al (2004). Stroke tends to affect people over the age of 75 (Scarborough et al 2009). Since almost 70% of people over 75 retain some teeth (Todd and Laden 1998), maintaining a healthy mouth is important for elderly stroke patients. Not only does effective oral care play a central role in the prevention of infection, a healthy mouth also makes a real difference to a person’s quality of life (McGrath and Bedi 1998) and maintenance of nutritional status (Jones 1998) .For these reasons, this dissertation will examine the benefits of good oral hygiene for elderly stroke patients and nurses role in

Stroke affects everybody differently, and it is difficult to say how much of a recovery is possible. Many stroke survivors experience the most dramatic recovery during their stay in hospital in the weeks after their stroke.

Bansal, S., Sangha, K.S., Khatri, P. (2013). Drug treatment of acute ischemic stroke. American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs, 13(1). doi:10.1007/s40256-013-0007-6

Approximately 795,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke every year and almost 75% of those are first-time strokes. Strokes kill around 130,000 people a year, ranking it the number 5 cause of death in America. They are also the leading cause of long-term disability. Stokes can be defined as blood not being able to flow to the brain, and there are two ways this can happen, a clot and a rupture. When the blood clots, it is known as an Ischemic stroke, and around 87% of all strokes fall in this category. A rupture is known as a hemorrhagic stroke and is typically a result of an aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation of the brain ("Impact of stroke", 2016).