Case Study Paper On Stroke

     If doctors agree that a stroke has taken place, they may do other tests to determine where the stroke occurred, how large of an area is damaged, and how the blood flow with in the brain has been effected; they do this by taking a CAT scan. They may also take an ECG to determine if there is any heart disease that may have caused the stroke. In addition, they take tests to see if the patient has high blood pressure or they may test the arteries themselves because this is a major cause of stroke in most people. Catheterization, injecting dye into the arteries, and blood tests are the most common tests done. A high glucose level in the blood may reveal diabetes and high blood fats indicate thickened red blood and arteriosclerosis. There may also be a high level of red blood cells, changing the consistency of the blood. These conditions must be treated to prevent further strokes.

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.

Mariam background is 60 year old lady admitted with left sided weakness and facial droop. Once confirmed stroke using the Recognition of Stroke in the Emergency Room (ROSIER) scale. Catangui (2015) states ROSIER scale is used to distinguish whether the patient is having a stroke or stroke mimics e.g. seizures or brain tumours. Computed tomography CT brain showed ischemic stroke. Ischaemic stroke is lack of sufficient blood supply to perfuse the brain/ cerebral tissue due to narrowing or blocked arteries in the brain (Morrison, 2014). According to Stroke Association (2015) statics shows that 1520000 strokes occur in the United Kingdom.

Aneesh Singhal, MD, author of Recognition and management of stroke in young adults and adolescents, from the Clinical Journal of the American Academy of Neurology states

Ischemic stroke is the blockage of blood vessels in the brain as a result of blood clots (thrombi), causing the portions of the brain nourished by the vessel and its tributaries to be starved of nutrients, poisoned, and to eventually die (“Symptoms

Alice Palmer has a mild brain tissue damage associated with the ischemic stroke as evidenced by a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15. On the other hand, she has a normal heart rate of 89 beats per minute (HR 89) and a blood pressure of 155/90 mmHg. A blood pressure of 155/90 mmHg is an indication of stage 1 hypertension. Mrs. Alice Palmer is hypertensive because she refused to take medication while she was at home (Grace Meissner, 2011; Fortrat & Gharib, 2016). Further, Mrs. Alice Palmer has a left-sided hemiparesis which indicates damage to the right side of the brain. Left-sided hemiparesis is a weak muscle tone of the left side of the body which leads to faded movement and carrying out self-care activities such as dressing, bathing, and grabbing objects (Fischer et al., 2016). Moreover, damage to the right side of the brain is associated with poor memory since the limbic system is located in that region (Usher & Marriott, 2011). Also, Mrs. Alice had a bilateral visual field deficit because of the mild brain tissue damage associated with the ischemic

To have their symptoms diagnosed, a person must first seek medical treatment. Only 20-25% of patients who are admitted to the hospital with a stroke arrive in the emergency department within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms (3). Once a doctor is able to determine what kind of stroke has occurred, it is important the appropriate medicine be given. If the wrong medicine were given to treat a stroke victim, it could result in death. Treatment for an ischemic stroke will focus mainly on restoring blood flow

It is important that the type of stroke is diagnosed quickly to reduce the damage done to the brain and also to determine the right type of treatment because one treatment for one kind of stroke can be harmful to someone who has had a different kind. A number of different medications may be given at the hospital to help break up the clot and prevent the formation of new clots. For Ischemic stroke the treatment can begin with drugs to break down clots and prevent further ones from forming. Aspirin can be given, along with an injection of a tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). TPA works by dissolving clots but it needs to be injected within 4.5 hours of stroke symptoms once they have presented themselves. Hemorrhagic stroke treatment can begin with drugs being given to reduce the pressure in the brain, overall blood pressure, prevent seizures and prevent sudden constrictions of blood vessels.(http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20117296) Because strokes are life-changing events that can affect a person both physically and emotionally, temporarily or permanently. After a stroke,

Neuroradiological imaging plays an important role in the process of diagnosing ischaemic stroke. The different imaging modalities that can be used to diagnose ischaemic stroke include computed tomography (CT), magnetic imaging resonance (MRI), and radionuclide imaging. In this article, the different modalities that contribute to the diagnostic process are discussed, with a focus on CT scan protocols.

Strokes are caused by pathophysiological changes. The two major mechanisms of stroke consist of ischemia and haemorrhage. Ischemia is when there is no oxygen or not, merely enough oxygen to fuel the tissue level in the body. Haemorrhage in the brain, causing strokes can be due to non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage (Shah, MD, n.d.) (see appendix 1). This essay will further discuss the implications of strokes on a cellular, organ and system level. Explain the clinical presentation of the signs and symptoms of strokes and how the condition will be managed by a paramedic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2015) every year there are 800,000 individuals who have strokes. There are 610,000 first time cases and 185,000 recurring stroke individuals. It is important for caregivers to note that the increased risk of another stroke is higher after the first (CDC, 2015). It is also critical for the caregiver to ask questions of the physician, such as what aspects physiologically and emotionally have been affected and treatments

The long term effects of a stroke are different from person to person. If the right side of the brain was damaged the left side of the body will be affected and if the right side of the brain is damaged the left side of the body will be affected, also the left side damage to the brain will affect Speech, Balance, Vision and breathing ("Treatment - Stroke - Mayo Clinic," 2015). Extensive therapies are require after a stroke these are physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. There is also rehabilitation services through in home care, hospitals or skilled nursing facility’s depending on the circumstances. Counseling is available to help cope with the new changes happening to the inside and outside of the body ("Treatment - Stroke - Mayo Clinic," 2015). There are a few alternative treatments available to they are not approves by the food and drug administration ("Stroke Alternative Treatments," 2013). Some of these natural therapies would include aromatherapy, massage therapy and yoga, these help reduce stress and relax the mind and body ("Stroke Alternative Treatments," 2013). Some patients controlled their diet by taking notice of the amount of cholesterol that they were taking in from foods they were eating ("Stroke Alternative Treatments,"

In response to the phenomenon of ischemic stroke, a number of treatments and interventions have emerged. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is widely affirmed in the literature as the most effective treatment of ischemic stroke at the present time (CITE ). This intervention, while effective, carries many question risks.marks, however. It is not well understood, for example, how long after ischemic stroke onset that tPA intervention is effective

Stroke previously known as Cerebrovascular accident is well-defined as ‘an abrupt cessation of cerebral circulation in one or more of the blood vessels distributing the brain. Due to the interruption or diminish of oxygen supply causes serious damage or necrosis in the brain tissues (Jauch, Kissella & Stettler, 2005). There is a presence of one or more symptoms such as weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking or swallowing, dizziness, loss of balance, loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes and headache. Stoke is categorised into two types, Ischaemic and haemorrhagic

A cerebrovascular accident more commonly known as a stroke or brain attack is the term used to describe the sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow. In order to woke the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. This supply is carried to the brain