Stroke or Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)
What it is:
When someone has a heart attack, it means that part of his/her heart muscle is being starved of oxygen. This is a “heart attack” and it is a medical emergency--we are trained to call 911.
When someone is having a stroke, a part of his/her brain is being starved for oxygen. By calling this event a “brain attack” medical providers are hoping we will treat it as an emergency also, and immediately call 911. Speed is everything! Time=brain!
There are different types of stroke based on the cause:
http://www.thevisualmd.com/health_centers/cardiovascular_health/stroke/what_is_stroke_video
1. Ischemic (clots)
a. 80% of strokes are blockages
2. Hemorrhagic (bleeding)
a. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
b. Aneurysm (weakness in a blood vessel)
3. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Symptoms to watch for:
• Sudden severe headache
• Slurred or confused speech
• Sudden weakness on one side
• Strange sensations on one side
• Sudden impaired vision
• Sudden loss of balance or dizziness
Outcomes after stroke depend on what part of the brain was injured:
One type of stroke is known as “locked in syndrome”
Made famous by the book and film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, by Jean Dominique Bauby
One family dealing with this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQIWc3uE4LU
Another family in Utah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWHnkFaxMxM
Risk factors:
• Family history
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Smoking
• High stress
• Using illicit drugs like cocaine
• Diabetes
• Birth control meds
Rehabilitation issues:
One sidedness or neglect, Hemiplegia, Dysphagia, Aphasia
Other characteristics: Emotionally labile, Impulsive, disorganized, not self-aware, careless, speech & language deficits, spatial & perceptual deficits.
Lower extremities heal more thoroughly than upper extremities. Many people use wheelchairs, and use one arm and one foot for propulsion. Many people can also stand and walk short distances using a cane. It is typical to make adaptations for eating, dressing, self-care.
The range of adaptive equipment and products is endless:
http://www.toyotamobility.com/img/pic_ms4_2.jpg
http://www.thewright-stuff.com/products/daily-living-aids/
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