Risk Factors
True of False: There are controllable and uncontrollable risk factors for stroke.
True!
True or False: You have to exhibit all signs/symptoms of a stroke to be classified as having a stroke.
False!
Survivors have reported experiencing few or several of the common signs or symptoms of a stroke. Imaging such as a MRI or CT scan are used to diagnose strokes.
True or False: There is only 1 type of stroke.
False!
There are 2 types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
True or False: It is recommended that stroke survivors begin therapy as soon as possible.
True!
Different therapies can help treat a person's impairments after a stroke to regain sensation and motor function and improve quality of life.
True or False: Post-stroke depression is common among survivors.
True!
Depression after stroke affects one to two-thirds of all survivors.
What is the most common risk factor among individuals with stroke?
High blood pressure.
It is the leading cause of stroke.
Name 2 signs/symptoms of a stroke
Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm and leg on one side
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
What has similar symptoms of a stroke, but is shorter in duration and does not cause lasting damage or impairments?
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
What should a person do if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of a stroke?
Call 911 immediately.
What is a physical change an individual might experience after suffering a stroke?
Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (decreased strength)
Numbness or decreased sensation
Spasticity (stiffness, tightness)
Seizures
What is one risk factor we cannot control or could put anyone at risk for stroke?
Increasing age
Race
Gender
Family and personal medical history
Prior stroke, TIA, or heart attack
What is the acronym or phrase to help individuals remember signs or symptoms of stroke?
BE FAST
What happens during a hemorrhagic stroke?
Blood vessel walls lose their structure, pouching outward until eventually rupturing (bursting).
What type of testing/imaging is done to determine if a stroke has occurred?
MRI or CT scan
True of False: Fatigue is not a common symptom after a stroke.
False!
Fatigue is common but should lessen a few months after the stroke for most survivors.
What is one risk factor that can be managed or controlled to reduce the risk of stroke?
High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Physical inactivity
Obesity or being overweight
Carotid and other artery disease
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) or other heart disease
Excessive alcohol intake
Illegal drug use
Sleep apnea
Explain each risk factor associated with each letter in the educational phrase, "BE FAST."
Balance
Eyes
Face
Arm
Speech
Time
What happens during an ischemic stroke?
There is a blocked blood vessel either due to plaque buildup, a blood clot, or both.
True or False: There is no treatment for a hemorrhagic stroke.
False!
For a hemorrhagic stroke, a surgeon can use a catheter with a small camera to locate the site of a bleed and insert a coil to prevent further rupture. Surgery might also be necessary to secure a blood vessel at the base of an aneurysm.
Name or describe a communication deficit someone may exhibit following a stroke.
What is one risk factor that personally puts you at risk for stroke?
(patient's personal answer)
What is a personal sign/symptom you had prior to your stroke?
(patient's personal answer)
Which type of stroke is more deadly?
Either type of stroke can be more deadly depending on the area(s) of the brain and extent of the injury.
What do the drugs tPA or TNK do for patients who experience ischemic strokes?
They dissolve blood clots. tPA is usually administered via IV and TNK is usually administered as an injection.
Name or demonstrate the breathing technique that can be helpful during episodes of increased anxiety.
Mindfulness and Deep Breathing