Stroke Basics
This type of stroke accounts for 87% of all strokes.
What is an ischemic stroke?
A clot that forms in the brain or travels to it is called this.
What is a thrombus or embolus?
Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body is called this.
What is hemiparesis or hemiplegia?
A left hemisphere stroke usually affects this side of the body.
What is the right side?
This neurological tool is commonly used to assess consciousness.
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in this essential process.
What is cerebral blood flow?
This artery supplies over 80% of the brain’s blood flow and is commonly involved in strokes.
What is the middle cerebral artery?
This facial symptom can be a key visual sign of a stroke.
What is facial drooping?
Impulsivity and visual-spatial deficits are most common with this hemisphere stroke.
What is a right hemisphere stroke?
This basic motor test can show asymmetry in muscle strength.
What is grip strength or limb movement assessment?
The most common arteries affected in ischemic stroke.
What are the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries?
Carotid stenosis can cause this type of stroke-causing event.
What is an embolic event?
Difficulty speaking or understanding language is referred to as this.
What is aphasia?
This cranial nerve symptom may cause facial droop.
What is damage to cranial nerve VII?
This vital sign is commonly elevated after a stroke.
What is blood pressure?
This term describes the death of brain tissue due to lack of blood flow.
What is cerebral infarction?
Ischemia causes this cascade effect in brain tissue.
What is cell death or infarction?
A sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache could be a sign of this.
What is an ischemic stroke (or possible hemorrhagic stroke)?
Stroke patients may struggle with this due to weak respiratory muscles.
What is aspiration or pneumonia?
If the patient can’t swallow safely, they’re at risk for this complication.
What is aspiration?
The most common mechanism of ischemic stroke related to irregular heart rhythms.
What is atrial fibrillation?
The process of narrowed arteries from plaque buildup is called this.
What is arteriosclerosis?
Loss of feeling or numbness on one side of the body.
What is unilateral sensory loss?
This gastrointestinal symptom is common due to immobility and medication.
What is constipation?
This skin concern becomes critical due to decreased mobility.
What are pressure ulcers?