The document provides information about stroke from the National Stroke Association. It defines stroke, lists common symptoms, and emphasizes the importance of immediately calling 911 at the first sign of stroke. It also discusses risk factors, prevention strategies, treatments, recovery processes, and the role of the National Stroke Association in advocating for stroke prevention and education.
Stroke Education for the Workplace:
Why You Need It and What Employees Should Know
By
Rachel Reas MBA, BSN, RN
Neuroscience Market Manager, Aurora BayCare Medical Center
Stroke Education for the Workplace:
Why You Need It and What Employees Should Know
By
Rachel Reas MBA, BSN, RN
Neuroscience Market Manager, Aurora BayCare Medical Center
Global Medical Cures™ | Preventing Stroke
DISCLAIMER-
Global Medical Cures™ does not offer any medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or recommendations. Only your healthcare provider/physician can offer you information and recommendations for you to decide about your healthcare choices.
Bill Faloon at DaVinci 50 about stroke risk and blood pressuremaximuspeto
In this presentation on Thursday April 29th, 2021 at the DaVinci 50 Mastermind Conference in Key Largo, Florida, Bill Faloon discusses how to optimize blood pressure to reduce stroke risk.
What are the symptoms of a stroke? This article will tell you about the different types of strokes and what they look like, their causes, risk factors and prevention.
Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease.
It affects the arteries leading to and within the
brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel
that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain
is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When
that happens, part of the brain cannot get the
blood and oxygen it needs, so it starts to die.
Global Medical Cures™ | Preventing Stroke
DISCLAIMER-
Global Medical Cures™ does not offer any medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or recommendations. Only your healthcare provider/physician can offer you information and recommendations for you to decide about your healthcare choices.
Bill Faloon at DaVinci 50 about stroke risk and blood pressuremaximuspeto
In this presentation on Thursday April 29th, 2021 at the DaVinci 50 Mastermind Conference in Key Largo, Florida, Bill Faloon discusses how to optimize blood pressure to reduce stroke risk.
What are the symptoms of a stroke? This article will tell you about the different types of strokes and what they look like, their causes, risk factors and prevention.
Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease.
It affects the arteries leading to and within the
brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel
that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain
is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When
that happens, part of the brain cannot get the
blood and oxygen it needs, so it starts to die.
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Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
This presentation will help you understand more about stroke – its prevention, treatment and recovery. It will cover stroke risk factors, prevention measures, how to recognize the symptoms of stroke and how to respond.
National Stroke Awareness Month takes place in May every year. In honor of this special time, National Stroke Association strives to provide everyone with the tools and inspiration to raise public awareness about stroke.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability, but many people do not realize how educating themselves and others will help reduce the incidence of stroke. National Stroke Association encourages everyone to take time during May to spread awareness about how to:
ADVOCATE – Influence public policy and legislature on stroke survivor issues.
EDUCATE – Spread the word about stroke awareness.
PARTICIPATE – Get involved and make a difference in the world of stroke.
We hope your participation in today’s presentation will support you in becoming more stroke smart.
We want you to know and understand the three R’s of stroke:
– REDUCE risk
– RECOGNIZE stroke symptoms
– RESPOND by calling 9-1-1
Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease and all forms of cancer combined.
Approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. have a new or recurrent stroke each year.
Stroke kills approximately 133,000 Americans each year. From 1997 to 2007, the stroke death rate fell approximately 35 percent and actual number of stroke deaths fell by 18 percent.
There are more than 6 million stroke survivors living in the United States. Men make up about 2,500,000 of survivors and women make up 3,900,000. About one-third have mild impairments, another third are moderately impaired and the remainder are severely impaired.
References:
American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2011 Update At-a-Glance. At: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3003999.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Over the course of a lifetime, four out of every five families in the United States will be touched by stroke.
Up to 80 percent of all strokes are preventable.
Every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke, every four minutes someone dies from a stroke.
References:
American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2010 Update At-a-Glance. At: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200026.
Gorelick PB. Stroke Prevention. Arch Neurol. 1995;52: 347-355. At: http://archneur.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/52/4/347.
Stroke kills more than twice as many American women every year as breast cancer.
Each year, about 55,000 more women than men experience a stroke.
More women than men die from stroke - accounting for more than 67 percent of all stroke deaths.
Overall lifetime risk of stroke is higher in women then men because life expectancy is higher. Also, women who have already suffered a stroke are significantly more at risk for a second stroke than men after two years.
Women suffer greater disability and functional outcomes because they are more likely to require institutionalized care than men, which adds to the economic burden of stroke.
Women ages 45 to 54 are experiencing a stroke surge, mainly due to increased risk factors and lack of prevention knowledge.
References:
American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2010 Update At-a-Glance. At: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200026.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics National Vital Statistics System. National Vital Statistics Report. Volume 57, Number 14. Deaths: Final Data for 2006. April 17, 2009.
Dearborn JL, McCullough LD. Perception of Risk and Knowledge of Risk Factors in Women at High Risk for Stroke. Stroke. 2009;40:1181-1186.
Incidence rate of stroke in African Americans is almost double that of Caucasians.
African Americans suffer more extensive physical impairments.
African Americans are twice as likely to die from stroke than Caucasians.
Unfortunately, African Americans have disproportionately high incidence of risk factors for stroke, including:
> Hypertension
> Diabetes
> Obesity
> Smoking
> Sickle cell anemia
References:
American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2010 Update At-a-Glance. At: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200026.
Perry HM, Roccella EJ. Conference report on stroke mortality in the southeastern United States. Hypertension. 1998;6:1206-15.
Higher incidence among Mexican Americans than Caucasians.
Mexican Americans are at increased risk for all types of stroke and TIA at younger ages than Caucasians.
Spanish-speaking Hispanics are less likely to know stroke symptoms than English-speaking Hispanics, African Americans and Caucasians.
References:
American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2010 Update At-a-Glance. At: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200026.
“Seeing” a disease in the news always brings greater attention to it. Prominent people who have experienced strokes include:
U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon
Super Bowl player Teddy Bruschi
Actors Sharon Stone, Della Reese, Kirk Douglas and Robert Guillaume
Entertainers Luther Vandross and Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy
Cosmetics entrepreneur Mary Kay Ash
Comics artist Charles Schultz
Sports commentator Harry Caray
Novelist Charles Dickens
Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch
Major league baseball player Ted Williams
References:
National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or artery, or when a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When a stroke occurs, it kills brain cells in the area surrounding where the clot or breakage occurrs.
There are 2 types of stroke:
1. Ischemic Strokes can occur two ways and are the most common, accounting for approximately 87 percent of strokes.
Embolic: Clot travels to the brain from another part of the body
Thrombotic: Clot develops in an artery
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke is a second type of stroke which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. While hemorrhagic stroke is less common, it’s more deadly.
References:
American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2010 Update At-a-Glance. At: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200026.
National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
The term “Brain Attack” is the most descriptive and realistic description of a stroke. It also provides a powerful call to action.
A brain attack should warrant the same degree of emergency care as a heart attack. After all, your brain is your mind and your body’s most vital and delicate organ.
Immediate response is crucial because every minute matters – from the time symptoms first become noticeable to the time treatment is received, more brain cells die. In other words TIME IS BRAIN. The best thing to do is to call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
Treatment is available and some options are most effective if administered within the first three hours after experiencing symptoms.
Your chances of walking out of the hospital with little to no disability are greatly improved if you receive appropriate treatments early.
Unfortunately, it takes the average person in the U.S. 12 to 24 hours to get to the hospital after experiencing the first stroke symptom. This is why it’s important that everyone learns how to RECOGNIZE stroke symptoms and how to RESPOND.
References:
National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
Lichtman JH, Watanbe E, et al. Hospital Arrival Time and Intravenous t-PA Use in US
Academic Medical Centers, 2001–2004. Stroke. 2009;40:00-00.
So how do you know if someone is having a stroke?
The most common stroke symptoms are:
Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If you see someone having these symptoms or experience any of these symptoms yourself, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Appropriate treatment can be more effective if given quickly. Every minute matters!
References:
National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
One way to help remember the symptoms of stroke and what to do, is to learn the Face, Arms, Speech Test, otherwise knows as FAST:
F = FACE: ask the person to smile – do both sides of the face move equally? (Normal) Or does one side of the face not move at all? (Abnormal)
A = ARM: ask the person to raise both arms – do both arms move equally? (Normal) Or does one arm drift downward compared to the other? (Abnormal)
S = SPEECH: ask the person to speak a simple sentence – Does the person use correct words with no slurring? (Normal) Or do they slur their speech, use inappropriate words or is unable to speak at all? (Abnormal)
T = TIME: to call 911 – if you observe any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Every minute matters!
References: National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
TIAs transient ischemic attacks are a serious warning of an impending stroke.
TIA symptoms are the same as for stroke.
TIAs are brief episodes of stroke symptoms that resolve within minutes or hours, unlike stroke symptoms which can last longer.
Up to 40 percent of all persons who experience a TIA will go on to have a full stroke.
- Within two days of a TIA, 5 percent of patients will have a stroke
- Within 90 days of a TIA, 10 percent to 15 percent will have a stroke
Management of TIAs focuses on preventing a future stroke.
References:
National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
Easton JD, Saver JL, et al. Definition and Evaluation of Transient Ischemic Attack: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and the Interdisciplinary Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease. Stroke. 2009;40:2276-2293.
There are many misconceptions about stroke….
Myths vs. Realities:
Stroke is not preventable – up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. We’ll discuss steps you can take to reduce stroke risk in a minute.
Stroke cannot be treated – Stroke can be treated, but requires emergency treatment. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience or see someone with stroke symptoms.
Stroke only strikes the elderly – Anyone of any age can have a stroke.
Stroke is like a heart attack – Stroke is a “Brain Attack.”
Stroke recovery ends after 6 months – Stroke recovery can continue throughout a survivor’s life.
References:
National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
The cost of stroke: Direct and Indirect costs are estimated at more than $73 billion a year. The estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke is 73.7billion in 2010.
Direct costs make up over 60 percent of this total and include things like hospital, nursing home, physicians/other professionals, drugs/medical, home health care
Indirect costs make up nearly 40 percent of the total and include things like lost roductivity and mortality
References:
American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2010 Update At-a-Glance. At: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200026.
Many strokes are preventable if you pay attention to pre-existing medical conditions and control lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.
National Stroke Association recommends the following public stroke prevention guidelines.
References:
Gorelick PB. Stroke Prevention. Arch Neurol. 1995;52: 347-355. At: http://archneur.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/52/4/347.
Gorelick PB, Sacco RL, et al. Prevention of a first stroke: a review of guidelines and a multidisciplinary consensus statement from the National Stroke Association. JAMA. 1999;281:1112-20. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PREVENT.
1. Know your blood pressure. Have it checked at least annually. If it’s elevated, work with your healthcare professional to keep it under control. Having high blood pressure, or hypertension, increases stroke risk four to six times.
2. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation – a type of irregular heartbeat. If left untreated, Afib can increase stroke risk four to six times.
3. If you smoke, stop. Smoking doubles stroke risk.
References:
Gorelick PB, Sacco RL, et al. Prevention of a first stroke: a review of guidelines and a multidisciplinary consensus statement from the National Stroke Association. JAMA. 1999;281:1112-20. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PREVENT.
4. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Recent studies have suggested that modest alcohol consumption (up to two glasses of wine or the alcohol equivalent) may reduce stroke risk. If you don’t drink, don’t start.
5. Find out if you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol can indirectly increase stroke risk by putting people at greater risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor if your total cholesterol is higher than 200 mg/dL or if you LDL cholesterol is higher than 100 mg/dL.
6. If you are diabetic, follow you doctor’s recommendation carefully to control your diabetes. People with diabetes have a significantly higher stroke risk. This may be related to circulation problems that diabetes can cause.
References:
Gorelick PB, Sacco RL, et al. Prevention of a first stroke: a review of guidelines and a multidisciplinary consensus statement from the National Stroke Association. JAMA. 1999;281:1112-20. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PREVENT.
7. Incorporate physical activity that you enjoy into your daily routine. Active people tend to have lower cholesterol levels. Regular exercise also seems to slow down or stop clogging of blood vessels.
8. Enjoy a low-sodium (salt) and low-fat diet. Too much salt may contribute to high blood pressure and make it more difficult to control. A diet that is low in fat will likely include vegetables, lean meats such as chicken and fish, low-fat dairy products and a limited number of eggs.
9. Ask your healthcare professional if you have circulation problems which increase your risk for stroke. If you do, work with your healthcare professional to control this condition.
10. If you experience any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling 9-1-1. Every minute matters!
References:
Gorelick PB, Sacco RL, et al. Prevention of a first stroke: a review of guidelines and a multidisciplinary consensus statement from the National Stroke Association. JAMA. 1999;281:1112-20. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PREVENT.
Many people don’t recognize stroke symptoms. A 2001 National Stroke Association survey reported that many older Americans could not identify stroke symptoms. A 2009 study revealed that despite numerous national stroke public awareness campaigns, public knowledge of stroke symptoms and risk factors has not improved over the last 5 years.
People don’t want their fear of stroke to be confirmed. Stroke is one of the most terrifying medical emergencies because many people would rather die than be disabled. Yet quick confirmation of stroke is the best way to receive the treatments that are proven to greatly reduce disability after stroke.
Of those surveyed, only 40 percent would call 9-1-1 immediately if they were having a stroke.
Many people worried about the cost of stroke treatment, especially if they do not have health insurance. Studies show that acute treatment is significantly less expensive than the costs of extensive rehabilitation and long-term care.
The survey also showed that two-thirds of respondents were unaware of the short time frame in which a person must seek treatment. Waiting to see if symptoms disappear can mean the difference between complete recovery and disability.
Fear of hospitals may keep some individuals from calling 9-1-1 to get help when they experience stroke symptoms. Those who call 9-1-1 immediately when experiencing stroke symptoms are likely to have a much shorter stay in the hospital than those who wait.
References:
National Stroke Association. Survivor Survey. 2001.
Kleindorfer D, Khoury J, et al. Temporal Trends in Public Awareness of Stroke Warning Signs, Risk Factors, and Treatment. Stroke. 2009;40:2502-2506.
There are two types of treatment for ischemic stroke (caused by clots):
The Clot Buster – or tPA works by dissolving blood clots that are blocking arteries. tPA is an enzyme found naturally in the body. The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June 1996 for treatment of stroke and can improve outcomes but can only be given within the first three hours of symptom onset.
In 2004 the Merci Retriever was FDA approved. This corkscrew-like device is an option for patients ineligible for t-PA treatment. The device is threaded through a catheter up through the body to the clot in the brain. The clot is then removed, restoring the blood flow to the affected area of the brain.
The Penumbra System is a new embolectomy device specifically designed to remove the thrombus in acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel thromboembolism. The device removes the thrombus through two mechanisms: aspiration and extraction.
There are also FDA-approved treatments available for hemorrhagic stroke: surgical clipping and coiling.
Clipping, currently the most common treatment, involves making an opening in the skull bone and placing a metal clip across the neck of the aneurysm to stop blood from flowing into the brain.
Coiling, performed since the early 1990s, involves inserting a catheter through an artery in the leg, running it through the body into the brain, and filling in the aneurysm with tiny platinum coils.
References:
Kothari R, Sauerbeck L, JauchE, et al. Patients’ awareness of stroke signs, symptoms
and risk factors. Stroke. 1997;28:1871-1875.
Levitt MA, Dawkins R, Williams V, Bullock S. Abbreviated educational session
improves cranial computed tomography scan interpretations by emergency phsycians.
Ann Emerg Med. 1997;30:616-621.
Alberts MJ, Bertels C, Dawson DV. An analysis of time of presentation after stroke.
JAMA. 1990; 1:65-68.
NINDS rt-PA Study Group. Tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke.
New Eng J Med. 1995;333(24):1581-1587.
There’s still so much we don’t know about how the brain can seemingly repair itself from the functional damage caused by stroke. Some brain cells may be only temporarily damaged and may resume functioning. In some cases, the brain can “relearn” what was lost. Sometimes, a region of the brain “takes over” for a region damaged by the stroke. People who have had a stroke sometimes experience remarkable and unanticipated recoveries that can’t be explained. General recovery guidelines show:
10 percent of stroke survivors recover almost completely.
25 percent recover with minor disabilities.
40 percent experience moderate to severe disabilities requiring special care.
10 percent require care within either a skilled-care or other long-term care facility.
15 percent die shortly after the stroke.
Stroke survivors and their families can find workable solutions to most difficult situations by approaching every problem with patience, creativity and tenacity.
There are different types of Stroke Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy helps restore skills like walking and range of movement. Physical therapy works on improving partial or one-sided paralysis, faulty balance and foot drop.
Occupational Therapy involves relearning skills needed for everyday living such as eating, using the bathroom, dressing and taking care of oneself.
Speech Language Therapy helps stroke survivors that have problems with aphasia – which is when stroke survivors are able to think clearly but cannot put those thoughts into words. Speech language pathologists can teach the aphasic stroke survivor and caregiver methods for coping with this frustrating condition. Speech therapy also helps stroke survivors cope with memory loss and other “thought” problems caused by stroke. Additionally, speech therapy treats stroke survivors with dysphasia, or swallowing problems, that could result in pneumonia if not appropriately managed.
Recreational Therapy involves regaining enjoyable skills and pastimes such as cooking, gardening, sewing and playing cards. These activities also may help stroke survivors regain some lost thinking abilities and physical capabilities.
References:
National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
National Stroke Association. National Stroke Association Web site. At: www.stroke.org.
After stroke, both the stroke survivor and his/her family are often concerned about being on their own at home. Among the common issues are:
Behavior: Stroke survivors’ needs vary depending on what area of the brain has been affected. Care-partners need to be aware of the reasons for the stroke survivor’s behavior, without overlooking the possibility that he or she may also be depressed.
Depression: Many survivors experience a form of depression after stroke. It can be overwhelming, affecting the spirit and confidence of everyone involved. Family can help by trying to stimulate interest in other people, encouraging leisure activities and providing opportunities to participate in spiritual activities. Chronic depression can be treated with individual counseling, group therapy or antidepressant drugs.
Emotional Liability: Sudden laughing or crying for no apparent reason and difficulty controlling emotional responses, known as emotional liability, or Pseudo Bulbar Syndrome, affects many stroke survivors. The “inappropriate” emotional behavior will occur randomly and end as quickly as it started.
Neglect: Some stroke survivors neglect the side of their world opposite the side of their stroke brain injury. This may impact their ability to complete some activities. Examples: eating only on one side of a dinner plate or recognizing only one side of a clock.
Memory Loss: Memory loss also called vascular dementia can be so subtle the family may not notice it at first. A stroke survivor may be anxious and cautious, needing a reminder to finish a sentence or follow-through with a behavior.
Communication Problems: If a stroke causes damage to the language center in the brain, there will be language difficulties or aphasia. Communication problems are among the most frightening after-effects of stroke for both the survivor and the family, often requiring professional help.
References:
National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
National Stroke Association. National Stroke Association Web site. At: www.stroke.org.
Rehabilitation Unit in Hospital: Many general hospitals now offer a variety of rehabilitation services. These may include acute rehabilitation (comparable to free-standing rehabilitation facilities) and sub-acute or transitional care units (usually a skilled nursing facility is a long-term care facility.)
In-Patient Rehabilitation Facility: Patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital must be able to tolerate a minimum of three hours of intensive therapy per day. These hospitals may also offer less intensive programs known as sub-acute rehabilitation units similar to those in long-term skilled nursing facilities.
Home-Bound Therapy: This form of rehabilitation is for patients who cannot leave their homes after discharge from an inpatient setting. A variety of therapies, along with follow-up nursing and social services, may be available. Clinicians can focus on personalized needs and unanticipated concerns for patients in this setting.
References:
National Stroke Association. The Complete Guide to Stroke. 2003. At: http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA_complete_guide.pdf?docID=341.
National Stroke Association. National Stroke Association Web site. At: www.stroke.org.
National Stroke Association is the only national nonprofit organization dedicating 100 percent of its resources to reducing the incidence and impact of stroke.
National Stroke Association has established itself as a leading resource on the topics of stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation research and support for stroke survivors and their families through its work in:
Advocating for stroke prevention and public education
Providing professional education and training
Providing and promoting resources for stroke survivors and caregivers
References:
National Stroke Association. At: www.stroke.org.
For more information about stroke or National Stroke Association, call toll-free at 1-800-STROKES (787-6537) or visit us at www.stroke.org.