Stroke Case Studies

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.

A stroke is also called a cerebrovascular accident. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, “A stroke is sometimes called a brain attack (pg. 4).” A stroke occurs when the brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen or a lack of blood supply. According to the American Heart Association, about 795,000 people have a stroke every year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of adult disability.

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).

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,

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.

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.

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,"

Often times, doctors will typically call a stroke a “brain attack” because the events that transpire resemble those that occur during a heart attack (Wang and Aamodt, 2010). Blood supplies a constant source of oxygen to the brain. However, a stroke occurs when that blood supply to any given part of the brain is suddenly ceased. If the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted this leads to the deprivation of oxygen and glucose to that area. The brain cells that are prevented from acquiring these substances, especially oxygen, will be quickly killed off. Strokes can be categorized into two classes: Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes (Lindley, 2008).

There are many ways someone can prevent a stroke and it is all about recognizing certain health issues and being as healthy as possible. Diet and exercise are one of the main ways a person can prevent a stroke, especially if they are overweight. Eating fatty foods can increase the amount of fat deposits in the body which can eventually lead to clotting. Being overweight tends to result in high blood pressure or diabetes which are both main causes of a stroke. Controlling your blood pressure, the type and amount of food you consume, and exercising can be very preventative from having a stroke. It is also important to know your risks. If you know people in your family have high blood pressure, have had blood clots, or any heart problems, it is

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in American and a leading cause of adult disability. Stroke or other known as a “transient ischemic attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting the blood flown to an area of the brain. These characteristics cause a loss of cerebral function. (NSA, 2014) When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. (NSA, 2014) Stroke rehabilitation starts on admission to hospital and continues after discharge; the aim is to restore a level of

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

Strokes are primarily classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are the most common (% of all strokes) and occur due to obstruction of a blood vessel supplying the brain; they can be further sub-classified as thrombotic or embolic, depending on the site of occlusion. Physiologically, ischemic stroke occurs is preceded by endothelial damage in cerebral blood vessels that causes inflammation and fatty deposit accumulation in arterial walls. Subsequently, this leads to a decrease in blood vessel diameter and vascular flow. In turn, reduced oxygen and glucose supply to brain tissue creates an ischemic core (where blood flow

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off or when a blood vessel burst. Without oxygen the brain cells begin to die. Which can cause death and temporary or permanent damage to the to the body causing a disability. Symptoms of a stroke can include numbness in the arms, legs, or face, sudden headaches, sudden confusion, sudden trouble talking among other things. It is important to identified the symptoms to help ourselves or others when we think we might be experiencing a stroke. Calling for help when we think a stroke is happening is vital to the survival of the affected person without any injury or disability.