Prevent Stroke Homeostasis

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.

Stroke is a leading health care problem worldwide; ‘living with stroke’ is a real challenge both stroke survivors and their caregivers face.

Losing weight is another way that a stroke can be prevented. Maintaining a normal body weight or a BMI less than 25 is ideal to help prevent a stroke. If overweight, losing 10 pounds can help prevent a stroke. Consuming a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can help with losing or maintaining a healthy weight. Physical activity is important in promoting health and preventing diseases. Exercising five time a week assists in losing weight and decreasing high blood pressure which can help prevent the risk of a stroke (Newlin, 2014).

Strokes are the 5th leading cause of death in the US, with one person dying every 4 minutes as a result. For African Americans, stoke is the 3rd leading cause of death.(http://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm) It is estimated that About 795,000 people have a stroke each year; about one every 40 seconds - there are many medical conditions that can cause a stroke and it is estimated that 8 out of 10 strokes can be prevented. However, there are some things that cannot be controlled when you are predisposed to

In elderly patients, the decision-making ability is deteriorated and this could lead to a delay to seek medical help (Ganzer, Insel, & Ritter, 2012). Several included studies in this review have demonstrated that women were significantly older than men when they got the stroke symptoms (Maeda, Toyoda, Minematsu, & Kobayashi, 2013; Park et al., 2013). Hence, advanced age is likely to be another cause of pre-hospital delay in females. Additionally, some studies in this review have determined that elderly females with acute stroke are more likely to live alone than males (Mandelzweig et al., 2006; Park et al., 2013; Smith et al., 2010; Yanagida et al., 2014). Furthermore, earlier research has reported that acute stroke patients who lived alone were 2.63 times more likely to have longer hospital arrival times than patients who lived with others (p < 0.001) (Eissa et al., 2013). Thus, another possible cause of the delay time in females could be living alone.

Cerebral vascular accidents are also known as strokes. Strokes can cause minimal to severe brain damage which can affect a person’s quality of life. This paper covers the definition, signs and symptoms, treatments, causes, prevention and what a nursing assistant can do to help someone recovering from a stroke.

The objective of the present study was to assess the extent of stroke knowledge, specifically regarding the risk factors and warning signs of stroke. Thus, it is important to be well understood about stroke, the risk factors and the warning signs. Furthermore, this review will discuss in details about the two risk factors, stress and obesity that are significant among the studied population. This is followed by the review on the state of stroke knowledge and its importance from the previous studies among varied populations.

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,"

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of deaths in America. They are also one of the leading causes of disabilities in adults. There are many factors, such as atrial fibrillation and lifestyle factors, which could lead to a potential stroke. There is the atrial fibrillation (shortened to “AFib”) and stroke connection. AFib is the constant and irregular beating of the two atria valves of the heart. The irregular heartbeats can cause blood to form clots in the heart and travel towards the brain. There are other types of risk factors that can lead to strokes, which are medical risk factors, lifestyle risk factors, and uncontrollable risk factors. Some examples of medical risk factors include high blood pressure, circulation problems, high cholesterol,

Stroke, or brain attack, is the number four killer of adults in the world. In the United States, 160,000 deaths occur each year. From 1999 to 2009, the death rate from stroke gradually lowered as improvements to medicine and testing developed. Yet, 800,000 Americans continue to have strokes and survive the event. Worldwide, about 15 million experience stroke with 6 million who die and 5 million who become permanently disabled. (Robinson, Richard & Odle, Teresa G. & Frey, Rebecca J. & Odle, Teresa G. , 2011) The statistics in America are better for surviving a stroke because of rapid response and better interpretation of symptoms. Nevertheless, surviving a stroke often brings on dilapidating effects; which means a change in lifestyle and lifelong rehabilitation through physical therapy.

A stroke occurs when there is a disruption of blood flow within the brain. A stroke can occur in two ways, one is a blood clot forming which can block a vessel in the brain causing an ischemic stroke. Another way is having a leakage or burst in a blood vessel inside the brain, causing a brain bleed (hemorrhagic stroke). The population stroke most often affects are the African American, Alaska Native, and American Indian populations. Individuals with specific risk factors may also be at a greater risk of getting a stroke. These risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, smoking, and family history. There is no specific age of onset for stroke, but the risk of a stroke occurring does increase as an individual gets older.

In my current position as a registered nurse, I have identified improving patient compliance and stroke rehabilitation as an important phenomenon of interest. While researching cerebrovascular accident (CVA) articles, I have a strong desire to enter the field of neuroscience because I feel that there is a great need for reform in stroke awareness and treatment care in the cerebrovascular patients across the nation. In today’s society, Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) are not viewed as a rare commodity but as a representative to physicians across the nation, assisting in many health care needs. APNs are thoroughly accepted by both health care organizations and consumers and serve a vital role in the population overall well-being. Additionally, APNs will become essential as more individuals gain access to broader services through health care reform efforts, and they will serve as attributing members of a flourishing healthcare system. As I transition into my role as an APN, I plan to focus my efforts on managing and coordinating care for the clinically complex neurological and neurosurgical population. This paper will highlight the importance of following stroke guidelines presented by Joint Commission to help increase the health of the population through improved patient compliance and stroke rehabilitation.

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

Stroke is seen as a major health concern and this is due to the fact that every year, as many as 110,000 individuals suffers from strokes making it a key issue. (NHS 2014)