2. What is a stroke?
A stroke is a sudden occurrence of weakness, paralysis, slurred speech, and other
factors from a sudden interruption of blood flow to any part of the brain.
Know the Signs of Stroke. (2012, June 1). Retrieved May 3, 2015, from
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/preventive-care/article/know-signs-
stroke
3. Symptoms of a stroke
Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech
Numbness or weakness of the face, one arm, or one leg
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Trouble walking, leg weakness or numbness, dizziness, or loss of coordination
Severe headache with no known cause
Know the Signs of Stroke. (2012, June 1). Retrieved May 3, 2015, from
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/preventive-care/article/know-signs-
stroke
4. Pathophysiology of a stroke
The main pathophysiology of a stroke is an underlying heart or blood vessel disease.
This could include:
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis leading to coronary artery disease
Dyslipidemia
Heart Disease
Hyperlipidemia
The types of stroke are ischemic, TIA, and hemorrhagic stroke
The Internet Stroke Center. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2015, from
http://www.strokecenter.org/professionals/stroke-management/for-pharmacists-
counseling/pathophysiology-and-etiology/
5. Pathophysiology of a stroke
Blood flow is cut off from a part of the brain and cells are deprived of oxygen.
These cells start to die and parts of the brain begin to not function properly.
The brain controls certain abilities and these abilities are lost such as memory
and muscle control.
What is stroke? (2014, July 16). Retrieved May 4, 2015, from http://www.stroke.org/understand-
stroke/what-stroke
6. Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic – Blood spills into or around the brain, which causes swelling and
pressure. This damages cells and tissue in the brain. This type is the least
common, but most often results in death.
What is stroke? (2014, July 16). Retrieved May 4, 2015, from
http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke
7. Ischemic Stroke
A blood vessel carries blood to the brain and is blocked by a blood clot. Blood
does not reach the brain and results in a stroke.
87% of strokes are ischemic strokes
What is stroke? (2014, July 16). Retrieved May 4, 2015, from
http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke
8. TIA
Blood flow to part of the brains stops for a short period of time which is why
it is called an attack. It has stroke-like symptoms and does not generally
cause permanent damage.
What is stroke? (2014, July 16). Retrieved May 4, 2015, from
http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke
9. How is this disease diagnosed?
Doctor will determine which type of stroke you suffered
from based on your signs and symptoms.
If the stroke was a TIA, they will help you to prevent a
future stroke
Your doctor will look at your medical history to determine
if you have high risk factors for stroke such as high blood
pressure, smoking, heart disease, etc.
Your doctor might suggest a test to diagnose the stroke
such as a brain CT scan, a MRI, a carotid ultrasound, an
EKG, or a blood test.
How Is a Stroke Diagnosed? (2014, March 26). Retrieved May 4, 2015, from
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/stroke/diagnosis
10. Dietary Risk Factors
Diets high in saturated fat, trans fat,
and cholesterol can raise one’s blood
cholesterol levels and increase your
chances of stroke
Diets high in sodium can also lead to
increased blood pressure
Foods that contribute to a high blood
pressure are the biggest dietary risk
factor for stroke because high blood
pressure is a main reason as to why
people have strokes.
Understanding Stroke Risk. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2015, from
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/UnderstandingRisk/Understanding-Stroke-
Risk_UCM_308539_SubHomePage.jsp
11. Dietary Changes
Eat more vegetables, beans, whole grains, and nuts.
Eat more seafood in place of red meat, poultry, and eggs
Limit salt intake, solid fats, added sugars, etc.
Stay awake from tobacco and don’t smoke
Lifestyle Risk Factors. (2014, August 4). Retrieved May 4, 2015, from
http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/preventing-stroke/lifestyle-risk-factors
