Stroke

A stroke is a blood clot to the brain caused by atherosclerosis build up. There are two types of stroke, ischameic and hemorgenic. Ischameic stroke is a burst blood vessel to the brain where as Hemorgenic is a blood clot on the brain. With a stroke the blood and oxygen supply is cut off causing brain cells to die. There are also minor strokes known as trans ischaemic strokes.

A stroke is normally caused by atherosclerosis build up. Atherosclerosis is a build up of fatty substences which block blood vessels and arteries. Stroke can also be caused by:

• bad diet
• older age
• family history
• high blood pressure (particularly in ischameic strokes)

stroke symptoms include:

• sloping face and lips
• blured vision
• vomiting
• slured speech
• unable to raise both arms above head

Medical Treatments Include:

• asprin to thin blood
• satins
• anti blood clot medication
• medication to reduce blood pressure

Life Style Changes:

• Stop smoking- thickens bloo
• Eat a low fat diet- prevent atherosclerosis build up
• Regular exercise- regualtes blood pressure
• stick to alcohol quide lines- thickens blood and raises blood pressure

Physically - may become inmobile, lack of sleep due to worry, may struggle doing basic tasks such as walking, may be unable to do moderate exercise if have movement issues

Intellectual- At first the patient may have concentration isuess and they will learn about the conidtion and ways to treat it.

Emotionally- the client may feel worried or stressed. Stress can e client lead to a stroke so it is important to reduce stress when possible. The client may also feel sad about thier condition or lack of mobility.

Socially- the client may not be able to move so may not be able to go out unassisted. The client may also have to have carers so there may be a strain on their relationship.

Financially- the client may have to pay prescription charges.

physically- the family may have lack of sleep through worry.

Intellectually- the family will learn about the condition and may have a lack of concentration.

Emotionally- the family may feel sad or worried about the client.

Socially- if the family have to care for the patient their realationship may become stressed.

Financially- the family may have to help pay for careres for the patient.

• the patient will be put at the centre of the care process
• the patient will have respect and will be involved indecision making such as lifestyle plans when it is appropriate
• the patient will be supported with their health and lifestyle changes. lifestyle changes may include improving the patients diet, helping them stop smoking and help them stick to alochol guidelines.
• practitioners working with the client should recognise ways in which they can take resposibility for their own care. this can include taking resposibily for their medication.
• The patient should feel eabled to make informed choices, give informed consent and be empowered to access health care services.
• Practitioners should show compassion as the patient may feel vulnerable in their fatal condition.
• the patient should also be treat with respect and dignity which should help gain a great involvement from the patient in their own care

• someone suffering with a stroke will either be seen by a paramedic or will go straight to A&E.
• the patients history will be taken through blood pressuer checks and family history checks.
• FAST test used for observation.
• Diagnosis and study of brain done by consultant and xray specialist to xray brain.
• treatment including asprin, alteplase (prevent blood clots) may require surgery
• Confidential records made and maitained
• the patient may be reffered to a dietician as atherosclerosis build up is the main cause of a stroke.
• the patient will stay at the centre of care throughout the process
• the patient will recieve on-going monitoring and treatment