Ischemic Strokes

In professional experience working at a comprehensive stroke center, early intervention in crucial in decreasing the amount of deficits stroke victims acquire. As I further my education and professional status in the field of Nurse Practitioner, I will be able to participate in in-depth research related to cerebrovascular accidents and quality patient outcomes.

Given the high risk of severe, debilitating health outcomes imaging a patient with suspected stroke in a timely fashion is paramount. When the timing of the stroke onset is determinable this allows for the appropriate form of treatment to be administrated such as thrombolytic therapies and neurointerventional techniques (González, 2012).

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

Several researchers have attempted to determine the general public's knowledge about stroke risk factors and warning signs. The most commonly cited risk factors were hypertension and stress; the most frequently identified warning signs were dizziness, severe headaches, and unspecified weakness. Knowledge about warning signs may prompt early recognition of strokes and, hence increase the speed and aggressiveness with which people seek medical attention. The five stroke warning signs identified by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and stroke include: (a) sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body; (b) sudden dimness or loss of

The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that stroke caused 5.7 million deaths in 2004 which accounted for 9.7% of deaths in the world [1]. Strikingly as it might be, stroke is considered to be the 4th leading cause of death among all causes, when considered separately from cardiovascular diseases, on an average every 4 minutes someone dies by a stroke [2] . According to data from the Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics reveal that 2.9% of men and 2.9% of women ≥18 years of age had a history of stroke [3]. On the other hand, in terms of disability stroke is considered to be the leading cause of long term disability in the united states with an impact of 36.5 billion dollars of direct and indirect costs in 2010 [3]. According to the American Heart Association statistics from 2012 till 2030 the total direct

A Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), commonly known as a Stroke, is a cerebrovascular disease that affects all the bodies systems, especially the nervous and cardiovascular systems. A CVA or stroke occurs when the blood flow through an artery or blood vessel is disrupted by either a blockage of built-up plaque and/or a blood clot, or a burst or rupture in the blood vessel, causing parts of the brain’s tissue to die off due to the deprivation of blood containing oxygen and glucose which nourishes and keeps the brain’s tissues functioning. There are two main types of a stroke, either an ischaemic stroke; which occurs when a build up of plaque or a blood clot blocks the normal blood flow to the brain tissue, or a haemorrhagic stroke; which occurs

Treatment for an ischemic stroke needs to be received within three hours. Clot busting medication is given to restore blood flow to the brain. Emergency medications include intravenous injection of TPA. It is given within four and a half hours of first stroke symptom. It can also be given through a catheter fed from the artery in the groin to the brain and given directly to the area of the clot. Aspirin is also given to prevent risk of another stroke and will be given immediately. Aspirin prevents formation of clots. Mechanical clot removal is also an

This observer ship enhanced my exposure to the clinical setting of American health care system. I got a chance to to evaluate presenting complaint of stroke patients along with detailed previous history. I also observed the management of patients with stroke in ICU and Inpatient department. In emergency department, I learned how to receive patients with weakness, loss of consciousness and epilepsy, referred by General Neurology with suspicion of stroke. I observed endovascular procedures including cerebral angiogram, mechanical thrombectomy, stenting and coiling of intracranial aneurysms. I was actively involved in case discussions and presentations on Stroke etiology, lacunar stroke, hypertensive stroke, intracranial aneurysm and ateriovanous

When I was in 8th grade, my aunt had a stroke and she is still suffering from the post-stroke side effects. I choose this article because I wanted to learn more about the treatments of stroke, especially how to deter its effects on the body. I believe that stroke strongly affects a person’s daily life. One day someone can be biking and then the next day that same person can be facing paralysis on one side of the body, disabling them. My family does have a history of stroke, so I want to be able to identify symptoms of stroke, if I ever display them and be able to know which treatments can possibly save my life. I also want to be able to know that my life won’t be too badly affected if I do end up getting stroke.

The first thing that the health care facility needs to educate the community is by teaching the recognizable signs and symptoms of a stroke. When the signs are present, the first thing that needs to occur is calling 911. Calling 911 immediately is the most important thing a person can do because the survival rate goes up dramatically. In addition, the EMS team needs education on the protocol of transporting of a stroke patient, avoiding delays is the most important factor of survival.

This patient was admitted to the hospital exhibiting symptoms such as the inability to speak, muscle weakness and facial numbness. From the noncontrast CT scan, the doctors concluded that she has suffered from a lacunar ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood stops flowing to part of the brain.1 Lacunar refers to the small lacunes, or softening, found in the brain. Lacunes are most often caused by hypertensive small artery disease which can be triggered by hypertension.2 In the United States alone; stroke affects approximately 795,000 people and holds the title of the fourth leading cause of death. Typically, African Americans are more susceptible to suffering from a stroke as well as the

Many people do not know when they are suffering from a stroke and rely on other people to notice the symptoms and take actions. When you are aware of the symptoms of stroke, you can be more aware of the situation

The urgency to prevent stroke and other chronic disease and their precursors (i.e., high blood pressure, and their risk factors and determinants) must be communicated effectively

Annually 780000 people in the USA suffer a new or repeated stroke, which transforms to one stroke attack every 40 (Elissa, Krass & Bajorek,2012 ). Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only evidence-based treatment for acute ischaemic stroke. However, the use is limited. There were certain barriers identified for low utilization of tPA, and they were broadly classified as “Pre- admission” and “Post-admission” barriers. Pre-admission barriers include decisions made in patient care by patient or paramedics before bringing the patient to the hospital. Late arrival to the hospital is a major factor to narrow the administration of tPA due to the limited time window. In Australia, 61% of patients are ineligible to receive tPA due to late arrival to hospital (Elissa, Krass & Bajorek,2012). Post-admission barriers include the delay in evaluation and treatment, shortage of facilities and indecision to consider risks vs. benefits of tPA. According to Elissa, Krass & Bajorek (2012) the most important random controlled trials are ECASSIII and NINDS( National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) that give evidence on the usage of IV tPA. Research indicates that, with tPA administration, there is a decrease in disability at 90days from a stroke. Efforts are needed to focus the barriers on using and encouraging applicable execution of the stroke treatment guidelines to enhance the

The Joint Commission (2014) identifies stroke education as one of the Stroke Core Measures. Stroke education includes the importance of medication compliance, recognizing signs and symptoms, identifying personal risk