Outcome1: Know what stroke is.
1. Identify the changes in the brain associated with stroke.
Changes in the brain will be that some parts are not getting the blood supply which then leads to dead tissue causing a form of disability depending on the area of the brain affected.
2. Outline other conditions that may be mistaken for stroke.
Postictal state – happens after a seizure.
Hypoglycemia – blood sugars drop, which can cause body paralysis, however a person with this will always have an altered mental state. A stroke patient doesn’t.
Subdural or Epidural bleeding – as bleeding grows it pushes on brain which will mean you have difficulty communicating and moving. Less common illness and diseases can also disturb metabolic functions causing you to think it’s a stroke.
3. Define the difference between Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack ( TIA )
Difference between them is, a sstroke causes perminante damage to the brain, as lack of blood supply causes tissues to die – a TIA can last for up to 24 hours, but the blockage either breaks up and moves on or the tissue that needs the supply can get the blood from another vessel.
Outcome 2: Know how to recognise stroke.
1. List the signs and symptoms of stroke.
Face drops to one side
Dizziness
Problems with balance and coordination
Blacking out
Severe headaches all of a sudden, unlike before and it also accompanied with neck stiffness.
2. Identify the key stages of stroke.
Face, arm and speech
3. Identify the assessment test that are available to enable listing of the signs and symptoms.
Check their face, is it dropping to one side, or are they finding it hard to smile. Can they lift their arm/arms or keep them in a certain position because their might be a weakness or numbness. Has their speech become slurred/garbled, or are they able to speak at all.
4. Describe the potential changes that an individual may experience as a result of stroke.
Cognitive challenges – they have trouble solving