Definition

Brain tissue is damaged from a sudden loss of blood

flow, resulting in a loss of neurological function

Causes: Blockage (blood clot) occurring inside a blood vessel Blood vessel leaks blood due to rupture

Types of Strokes
Ischemic Stroke

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Ischemic Stroke
Types of Ischemic Stroke
Embolic Stroke

Blood clot travels to the brain

Thrombotic Stroke

Blood flow is blocked to the brain

 Hemorrhagic Stroke

Bleeding occurs from vessels within the brain. High blood pressure or a rupture of a blood vessel or an aneurysm may be the cause.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

A stroke-like event lasting minutes, or hours, that occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen-rich blood temporarily, but in which the effects wear off completely after the blood-flow returns

 Stroke affects people of

All Ages

All Ethnic Groups

All Backgrounds

Signs & Symptoms of Stroke

Sudden numbness or weakness of the 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

 Strokes occur in the brain and affect the

opposite side of the body

Risk Factors for Stroke

Blood Pressure over 120/80 Smoker exposed to tobacco Overweight Diabetes High Cholesterol Heart Disease Family History of Stroke Physical activityless than a total of 30 minutes on most days Man over age of 45, OR a woman over 55 years of age

Recognize the Symptoms of a Stroke

3 Simple Questions
Ask the person to smile
Ask the person to raise

both arms
Ask the person to say a

simple sentence The sky is blue in Boston

The sky is blue in Boston

Diagnostic Testing
CT or MRI of the brain
EKG Carotid Ultrasound Echocardiogram

Carotid Ultrasound will show if there is stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel)

Echocardiogram detects if any thrombus (blood clot) within the heart chambers

Chest X-ray

Blood work - Labs

Any labs may be ordered, Lipid Profile (checking your

cholesterol level) is done on all patients.

Nursing Interventions Improving Mobility and Preventing Deformities

Position to prevent contractures; use measures to

relieve pressure, assist in maintaining good body alignment, and prevent compressive neuropathies. Apply a splint at night to prevent exion of affected extremity. Elevate affected arm to prevent edema. Change position every 2 hours; place patient in a prone position for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day. /