Description

Strokes occur when the blood supple to the brain is interrupted. This results in damage to the brain caused by either a blockage or a bleeding in the arteries supplying the brain. Brain tissue is dependent on a constant supply of blood. A stroke (CVA) occurs when a blockage or bleeding becomes permanent with irreversible brain tissue damage. Mini strokes (TIA) occur from a sudden but temporary loss of blood flow to the brain which is reversible. Some strokes can occur suddenly and without warning, other strokes are preceded by one or multiple mini strokes (TIA).

Risk factors for strokes include high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol and triglyceride levels (hyperlipidemia), Diabetes, Atrial Fibrillation, obesity and various heart and blood vessel disorders causing a fragment of material (embolus) to break off and lodge in the brain. Structural problems such as weakness in the blood vessels in the brain (cerebral aneurysms) or metastatic disease of the brain (brain cancer) can also result in altered blood flow and resultant strokes. Strokes are a leading cause of disability and death.

Subtle symptoms of a stroke in progress often go unrecognized in people who can not communicate their symptoms. It is therefore vitally important that care givers recognize signs as well as symptoms of stroke or mini strokes and seek medical attention, as early intervention can prevent irreversible and permanent damage to the brain.

An acronym used to recognize signs and symptoms of a stroke is FAST

F stands for FACE

1. Is there new asymmetry of the face? Is there drooping of one side of the face, mouth or eye?
2. Is there drooling?
3. Is there a new onset of swallowing difficulties?
4. Is there sudden onset of loss of vision in one eye?
5. Is there a sudden severe headache?
6. Is there sudden numbness on one side of the face?

A stands for ARM

1. Is there a new onset of weakness of one arm or leg (or both) on the same side?
2. Is there sudden numbness of one arm or leg (or both) on the same side?
3. Is there a sudden and dramatic decline in functional ability of one arm or leg (or both) on the same side?
4. Is there sudden paralysis of one arm or leg (or both) on the same side of the body?
5. Is there a new onset of dizziness that results in unstable gait and falls?

S stands for SPEECH

1. Is there a new onset of slurred speech?
2. Is there an abrupt inability to express themselves or find the "right word"?
3. Is there a sudden inability to understand what is being said?

T stands for TIME

If you, as the caregiver, recognize these symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Call emergency response or 911 (if available in your area.)

Important Points to Consider

Clot busting medications can be used to treat certain types of strokes, but must be given within hours of the onset of symptoms and not days.

As a care giver, preventative measures are important. Ensuring that the prescribed diet and exercise are followed is important in controlling triglycerides, cholesterol and sugar levels. Make sure that medications are given as directed. Keep up with routine visits with medical provider, and work together to create a plan of care that minimizes the risk of strokes.

Normal is a relative term, but caregivers must understand what is "normal" for the person they are caring for. There may be times when the person is not able to tell the caregiver what is wrong (report a symptom), caregivers will be challenged to look for nonverbal signs pointing to a change in status that should not be ignored.

Related topics

Caring for a person after a Stroke