Stroke Facts
True or false: A stroke is also called a 'brain attack.'
True, a stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain gets cut off, either because a blood vessel is blocked or because a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Name 2 healthy lunch items.
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy
What does WRAP stand for?
Memory strategies: Write, Repeat, Associate, Picture
What side of your brain usually controls speech and language?
left side
What are the 2 types of strokes?
1. Ischemic stroke: most common (~87% of strokes) and caused by a blood clot or blockage in a blood vessel in the brain
2. Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by bleeding in the brain due to a burst blood vessel. Often linked to high blood pressure, trauma, aneurysms
Name one risk factor for a stroke.
high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and excessive alcohol consumption
True or false: Drinking lots of water helps your brain.
True, Water helps your brain cells communicate effectively, clears out toxins, and carries nutrients necessary for healthy brain activity
What is one way to help your memory?
use a calendar, make lists, alarms
What is the brains main job?
to control the body and for thinking
True or false: Your brain keeps growing new connections.
True, while the most active period for establishing neural connections (synapses) happens in the first few years of life, new connections continue to form and adapt throughout life. Your brain's ability to adapt and change is called neuroplasticity or brain plasticity.
Is every stroke the same?
No
What is something you can do for exercise?
walking, chair yoga, HEP exercises provided by your OT and PTs
manage fatigue, focus on one task at a time, decrease distractions, take notes
what side of the brain controls the right hand?
left side
How much does the average brain weigh?
3 lbs
What does a speech therapist help with after a stroke?
speech, language, cognition, swallowing
Why is sleep important to the brain?
It helps with healing and memory
If you can't find a word, what can you do?
describe it, use gestures, give a synonyms or antonyms
True or false: The brain controls the whole body.
True
name 2 activities that are good for the brain that can be completed at home.
reading, puzzles, walking, talking to people, board and card games
What does BE FAST stand for?
Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time
Name a type of food that should be limited following a stroke.
foods high in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars
Name a strategy that is helpful for staying focused and reducing mistakes in your daily activities or tasks?
rechecking work, rereading information, highlight improtant info
What part of your body sends messages to and from the brain?
spinal cord
what happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or stopped?
A stroke