Stroke

Question 1

1 main cause of a stroke

Answer 1

Ischaemic - where the blood supply is stopped because of a blood clot, accounting for 85% of all cases

Question 2

2nd cause of strokes

Answer 2

Haemorrhagic - where a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts

Question 3

Symptoms

Answer 3

F.A.S.T

Face - the face may drop to one side

Arms - the person may not be able to lift both arms

Speech - slurred speech

Time - dial 999

Question 4

Long Term Symptoms

Answer 4

Aphasia - difficulties with speech

Dysphagia - difficulty swallowing

Paralysis - right or left side weakness or complete non movement

Confusion, dizziness, problem solving steps missed

Balance, coordination, blurred vision of no peripheral vision

Sudden or severe headaches, fear of a second stroke

Question 5

Ischaemic stroke possible causes

Answer 5

These occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. When you get older, the arteries naturally narrow but these can accelerate the process :

• Smoking
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Obesity
• High cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Excessive alcohol intake

Question 6

Haemorrhagic stroke causes

Answer 6

These are less common than ischaemic strokes and occur when a blood vessel within the skull bursts and bleeds into and around the brain.
The main cause is high blood pressure, which weakens the arteries in the brain and make them prone to split or rupture.

These increase risk of high blood pressure :

• being overweight or obese
• drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
• smoking
• a lack of exercise
• stress, which may cause a temporary rise in blood pressure

Question 7

Preventative Treatment

Answer 7

Similar to CHD, there are medications to lower risks and there are life style choices to reduce risk too

Question 8

Quick Treatment

Answer 8

The first 4.5hrs can be treated with medication called alteplase, which dissolved blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain.

A small proportion of severe ischaemic strokes can be treated by an emergency procedure known as thrombectomy. This removes blood clots and helps restore blood flow to the brain.

Question 9

Long Term Treatment

Answer 9

Rehabilitation for speech paralysis

Preventative medications

Changes in poor lifestyle choices - maintain a healthy weight , make healthier choices, stay active, stop smoking