Stroke Flashcards
Symptoms
F- face drops
A- arm can not be held above head/numbness in one arm
S- speech may be slurred/garbeld
T- time to call 999
Dizziness, confusion, loss/blurred vision, paralysed one side of body, head aches- blinding pain
Causes
Smoking High blood pressure Obesity High cholesterol Diabetes Excessive alcohol intake
Diagnosis
Brain scans– to show why the stroke happened
- CT scan- X-ray, multiple images to produce detailed 3D image
- MRI scan- magnetic field+radio waves to produce image of inside of body
- Carotid ultrasound- show what neck arteries narrowed/blocked
- Echocardiography- produces 3D image of the heart
Treatment
Thrombolysis- dissolves blood clots
Antiplatelets- makes platelets less sticky
Anticoagulant- reduces blood clot in the future
Statins- low cholesterol if too high
Carotid endarterectomy- removal of fatty deposit- surgery
Social impacts
Not talk to friends or family as much
Physical impacts
Loss of coordination
Struggle to carry out daily tasks and activities
Emotional impacts
Depression- withdrawal -crying
- hopeless
Anxiety
Financial impacts
Out of work to recover/not back as not stable- lack of money
Care pathway for a stroke
Brain scans- stroke unit- pharmacological treatment- rehabilitation
Patient centred-care
Explanation of treatment and explain why stroke occurred Decisions of treatment Impacts on their life Management- eg lifestyle changes Prevention to occur again
What is a stroke?
A blood supply cut off to the brain.
