The Pathophysiology Of Ischaemic Stroke

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

Mrs. Alice Palmer is a 54-year old married woman who has been admitted and is being treated with an ischemic stroke which she had 18 hours ago. This paper explores the nursing care of Mrs. Alice Palmer based on the clinical reasoning cycle by considering her situation first, collecting cues and information about her, processing the information gathered, then identifying problems or issues she is experiencing, and finally carrying out a detailed assessment. Also, the paper focuses on setting goals and establishing a nursing care plan in the community, and target ethnically safe practice. Ischemic stroke occurs when the brain tissue does not receive sufficient oxygenated blood due to an obstruction of the carotid artery (Brunner, Suddarth, & Smeltzer, 2008). When the brain does not receive enough oxygenated blood, some or all of its tissues may get damaged

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

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.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked. The tissue does not get enough of oxygen and nutrients within minutes, the brain cells begin to die. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. The good news is a stroke can be treatable and is more preventable. More people live longer now than in the past years. Stroke is known as the silent killer. Many people ignore the symptoms and cause more damage to their body. People with stroke have trouble speaking and understanding, paralysis or numbness of the face arm or leg. If you ever encounter anyone with these systems, please call 911 imminently for help.

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

A CVA occurs when a part of the brain is damaged or destroyed due to an interruption of blood flow to the area resulting in brain cell death (Martini, Nath & Bartholomew 2015 pp. 496-470).There are two main types of a CVA, Ischaemic stroke and Haemorrhagic stroke (AIHW 2013). The most common cause of stroke is ischaemic, which can be caused by embolism/thrombosis (AIHW 2013). An embolism/thrombosis occurs when there is a clot in an artery or vein, which stops blood flow to the brain (AIHW 2013). A haemorrhagic stroke is when an artery ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue (AIHW 2013). This form of stroke occurs when blood pools and forms a clot therefore putting pressure on the area of the brain depriving it of oxygen and nutrients it needs to remain healthy (AIHW 2013).

When trying to detect the onset of a stroke, remembering the acronym F.A.S.T. is important (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911). If stroke symptoms are detected within an individual, they have just a couple hours before it is too late for any preventative treatment options. Unfortunately, the type of stroke cannot be identified except through several tests (physical test, blood test, CT, MRI), which are important because treatments are different for the different types of strokes. It would be hazardous to administer the wrong stroke treatment to an individual having a different kind of stroke. (McIntosh) Seeing the precursors to a stroke and preventing it is not always possible; therefore, the stroke victim may have some damaging effects on their body. Strokes can affect a body in different ways depending on which side the blood clot occurs. If the blood clot occurs in the right side of the brain, the left side of the body and the face will be affected. In addition to paralysis of the body and face, vision problems, memory loss, and quick, inquisitive behavior could result from a blood clot on the right half of the brain. If the clot were to occur in the left side, the right side of the body would suffer speech and language problems, slow behavior, or memory loss. (About Stroke.) Aside from the physical effects of a stroke, a victim might also be affected emotionally undergoing depression, or being unable to control their feelings. (McIntosh) Oftentimes, the outcome of a stroke is irreversible and saddening for everyone

First I feel that, it is important to understand the clinical manifestation of the different strokes. The Ischemic stroke can cause a wide range of neurologic symptoms depending on the location and the size of the effective area. Patients may present with symptoms, such as, numbness or weakness of the face, arms, legs, more so, one side of the body, changes in moody or behavior, trouble with speaking or understanding speech, visual disturbances, having difficulty in walking, dizziness or loss of balance and sudden server headaches. Hemorrhagic stroke has, also, presents with the same clinical manifestation as a Ischemic stroke, however, most patients complain of server headache.

If a patient displayed dizziness, difficulty understanding or responding to voice commands, blurry vision, sudden headaches, or droopiness on one side of their face, one is to presume that the patient could be in the beginning stages of having a cerebrovascular accident (Cerebrovascular Accident, 2013). The length and severity of the signs vary from patient to patient but symptoms may appear quickly and unexpected, which is why a health care professional must be trained to act quickly and effectively when an individual exhibits these symptoms. A quick method of assessing whether a patient to suffering from a stroke is to use the FAST method. F: “face drooping”; ask the patient to smile and see if it is uneven or if one side is drooping. A: “arm weakness”; is one arm weaker than the other? S: “speech difficulty”; ask the patient to speak at the best of their abilities and determine whether speech is slurred. T: “time to call 9-1-1”; at this point in the assessment, a higher-level health care provider should be involved (Impact of Stroke,

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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