Patho-stroke

STROKE Andrew D. Beluso, RN

Classification • Strokes can be classified into two major categories: –Ischemic –hemorrhagic.

ISCHEMIC STROKE • Ischemia is due to interruption of the blood supply,

ISCHEMIC STROKE causes • • • •

Thrombosis Embolism systemic hypoperfusion venous thrombosis

HEMORRHAGIC • rupture of a blood vessel • A hemorrhagic stroke takes place when an artery supplying blood bleeds into the brain.

Causes • One type of hemorrhagic stroke is caused when an artery which has weakened over time, bulges (called an aneurysm) and suddenly bursts.

TYPES OF HEMORRHAGIC INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGES Intracranial hemorrhage is the accumulation of blood anywhere within the skull vault. INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGES is bleeding directly into the brain tissue, forming a gradually enlarging hematoma (pooling of blood).

INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGES

INTRACEREBRAL HEMRRHAGES

Controllable Risk Factors • • Carotid Artery Disease • High Blood Pressure • Atrial Fibrillation • Cigarette Smoking • Heart Disease • Diabetes • Warning Signs or History of Stroke • Lack of Exercise • Obesity • Excessive Alcohol Consumption • High Cholesterol

Uncontrollable Risk Factors • • Advanced Age • Previous Stroke • Heredity • Race

Guidelines for Patients • Know your blood pressure, have it checked at least once a year • Find out if you have atrial fibrillation, which encourages the formation of blood clots that could cause a stroke • If you smoke, stop • If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation • Find out if you have high cholesterol

• If you have diabetes, take measures to control the condition • Include exercise in your daily routine • Eat a low-salt diet • Ask your physician if you have circulation problems that could increase the risk of stroke and • If you experience any stroke symptoms, including sudden weakness of the face or a limb, a blurring of vision, dizziness, or an intense headache, seek immediate medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke • • Sudden numbness or weakness of face, leg or arm, especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech • Sudden dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes • Sudden severe headache with no known cause • Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or unsteadiness

So what steps can you take to help prevent a stroke? • • • •

Control your blood pressure. Stop smoking. Exercise regularly. Eat a healing diet.

Other helpful Tips • Aspirin for stroke prevention • Vitamin E to reduce the risk of stroke • Gum disease leads to higher stroke risk • Fish oil reduces the risk of stroke?

Thank You!