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Five
Things You Need to Ask Your Doctor about Stroke
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Stroke is the third leading cause
of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the
United States. Every year, stroke strikes approximately
750,000 Americans, killing 160,000 and forever changing
the lives of many who survive.
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The
good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented
every year; the bad news is that studies conducted by the National
Stroke Association show that fewer than 30 percent of those
surveyed said their doctors discussed the topic of stroke during
annual exams.
A
stroke is a “brain attack,” cutting off vital blood and
oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do -- from
speaking, to walking, to breathing. Most strokes occur when
arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up
of plaque and other fatty deposits. Some strokes can be caused
by arteries rupturing when weak spots on the blood vessel wall
break.
To
help patients get the information they need to control their
risk factors for stroke, the National Stroke Association has
launched the Ask Your Doctor education campaign, urging you to
ask your doctor the following five questions on your next visit.
1.
Am I at risk for stroke?
Most people have some stroke risk. A few stroke risk factors are
beyond your control, such as being over age 55, being a male,
being an African-American, having diabetes, and having a family
history of stroke.
There are medical and lifestyle risk factors you can control.
Medical stroke risk factors include previous stroke, previous
episode of transient ischemic attack, or “TIA,” high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, atrial
fibrillation and carotid artery disease. Lifestyle stroke risk
factors include smoking, being overweight, and drinking too much
alcohol.
2.
How do I lower my risk for stroke?
Address the risk factors you can control. Know your blood
pressure, and work with your doctor to keep it under control. If
you smoke, stop. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Know
your cholesterol, and if it is high, ask your doctor for advice
on lowering it. If you have diabetes, follow your doctor’s
recommendations carefully to control your condition. Include
exercise in your daily routine; a brisk walk, swim or other
activity for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your
health in many ways. Cut down on sodium and fat in your diet.
Finally, ask your doctor if you have circulation problems.
3.
What if I have a stroke?
If you have a stroke, seek immediate medical attention -- stroke
is an emergency. Learn to recognize stroke symptoms. Common
symptoms include: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm
or leg -- especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion,
trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one
or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance
or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Call 911 if you see or have any of these symptoms. Treatment can
be more effective if given promptly -- every minute counts.
4.
What are my recovery and rehab options after my stroke?
Rehabilitation starts in the hospital as soon as possible after
the stroke. In patients who are stable, rehabilitation may begin
immediately after the stroke, and should be continued as
necessary after release from the hospital. Depending on the
severity of the stroke, rehabilitation options include physical,
speech or occupational therapy delivered in a number of
settings: a rehab unit in the hospital, a rehabilitation
hospital, home therapy, outpatient therapy clinics, and a
long-term care facility that provides therapy and skilled
nursing care.
5.
How can I support those touched by stroke?
If you are the primary caregiver for a stroke patient, you may
want to find a support group. Check with your doctor or
hospital, or contact the National Stroke Association. If a
friend or relative has a stroke, offer to relieve the caregiver
for a few hours a week; volunteer to run errands, do grocery
shopping or provide meals. Don’t be afraid to ask the patient
and caregiver what they need.
For
more information on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery,
visit www.stroke.org, the National Stroke Association’s Web
site or call (800) STROKES.
6.
Techniques to reduce the risk of another stroke
Include eating a heart healthy diet- (a balanced diet rich in
fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in saturated fat,
trans fat and salt, to promote wellness and reduce the risk of
chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or
obesity), and taking aspirin- (Aspirin has recently been widely
studied in terms of both preventing cardiovascular disease, as
well as in managing the conditions of people who already have
heart disease or a history of heart attack), or other
antiplatelet agents, (Medications that block the formation of
blood clots by decreasing the ability of the body's natural
blood-clotters (platelets) to bind together). In patients with
severe blockage of the carotid artery supplying the brain,
surgery called carotid endarterectomy can be performed to reduce
the risk of a future stroke. Less invasive treatments of carotid
artery blockage, such as the use of stents are very encouraging.
TO
LEARN MORE ABOUT STROKE PREVENTION OR TREATMENT:
Whether you need to learn more about caring for a patient who
has had a stroke, have a family member who has had one, or simply want to
know more about Strokes, these books & additional resources
will help.
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The
Brain — Effects of Stroke-Brain Atlas that depicts
region of the Cerebrum damaged by stroke along with signs
& symptoms [AMA].
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Glossary
of Stroke Terms- Identifies and defines the terms
most commonly associated with strokes.
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Stroke
Clinical Pathways- Information on the step-by-step
actions taken by healthcare professionals in caring for
stroke patients once a diagnosis has been made.
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Women,
Heart Disease and Stroke- Find out what every woman
needs to know about heart disease and stroke. [AHA]
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Post-Stroke
Rehabilitation Fact Sheet- Comprehensive information
from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke.
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Stroke
Rehabilitation- A Motor Relearning Program for Stroke-
Provides exercises and training regimes for optimal
functional recovery for those who have sustained a stroke.
Includes methods to increase strength, endurance, and
fitness. Guidelines for training balance, reaching and
manipulation, walking, sitting-to-standing, and strength
training are also included
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Steps
To Follow- The Comprehensive Treatment of Patients with
Hemiplegia- A unique practical guide to the
treatment of neurologically impaired patients. If you are a
nurse, physical or occupational therapist even attempting to
work with adults who have had neurological impairment, you
owe it to them to read this book!
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Starting
Again- Early Rehabilitation After Traumatic Brain
Injury Or Other Severe Brain Lesion. Illustrated with some
600 photographs of actual patients, the broad spectrum of
treatment, ranging from the intensive care unit to the
re-education of walking, is presented in detail. The
recommended treatment program advocated here has been used
successfully for many years.
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The
Stroke Recovery Book- Guide for Patients and
Families (Most often book doctors recommend!), written by a
specialist in Medicine and Rehabilitation, this 152-page
paperback book offers professional insights in everyday
language. The guide devotes entire chapters to individual
impairments, aftercare, prevention and other topics of
interest to survivors and families, with the specific aim of
preparing readers for the challenges presented by stroke.
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Nursing Practice Topics
