Information From Your Health Care Provider

STROKE

(Cerebrovascular Accident)

Basic information

description

A stroke is a sudden decrease or block in the blood supply to part of the brain. This causes damage to the brain so it cannot function normally. Adults over 55 are most often affected.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The symptoms can vary in different people.
Inability to speak.
Inability to move part of the body.
Loss of consciousness.
Sudden heavy feeling in an arm or leg, or feeling numb and unable to control muscles.
Headache.
Vision changes.
Confusion.
Dizziness.
Loss of bowel and bladder control.

causes

Ischemic stroke—blood flow to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. A clot can form in the brain itself due to narrowed arteries. A clot can form elsewhere in the bloodstream and travel to the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke—bleeding due to ruptured blood vessel. The bleeding may occur in the brain or in the space between the brain and the skull.

risk increases with

Age over 55.
Personal or family history of stroke, heart attack, or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Cigarette smoking.
High blood pressure.
High cholesterol.
Heart disease, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and carotid or other artery disease.
Obesity and/or sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise).
Use of birth control pills.
Excess alcohol use and certain types of drug abuse.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Exercise regularly.
Eat a healthy diet.
Don't smoke.
Get treatment for diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic disorders.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If it is high, see your health care provider.
Get medical advice about taking aspirin daily.

expected outcomes

The long-term outlook depends on the extent of brain damage. Some patients recover their functional independence and others have permanent disabilities.

possible complications

Serious physical and mental health problems. Major lifestyle changes that affect work, family, and social life.
Stroke can be fatal.
Recurrence of stroke.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Call 911 if you think you might be having a stroke or have someone take you to an emergency center. The first few hours are critical for effective treatment.
Emergency care will include a physical exam and medical tests to check heart, brain, and other body functions. Treatment may include drugs, oxygen to help with breathing, and sometimes surgery. You will stay in the hospital until symptoms improve. Long-term care may be needed for some patients.
Early rehabilitation after a stroke will help improve physical abilities. Outcome will depend on the extent of the brain injury. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may be needed. Patient attitude and family support are important in the success.
To learn more: American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231; (888) 478-7653; website: www.strokeassociation.org.

medications

Drugs to break up clots, control brain swelling, and prevent complications may be given in the hospital.
Drugs for high blood pressure, clot prevention, and other preventive drugs may be prescribed.

activity

If you have lost muscle control, therapy will help you learn to use affected limbs. You can often regain basic skills, such as eating, dressing, and toilet functions.

diet

At first, you may require tube feeding, then progress to a pureed, then a soft, and finally to a regular diet.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of a stroke or observe them in someone else. This is an emergency!
New symptoms develop after treatment.