A stroke occurs when there is a rapid loss of brain function due to a disruption of blood flow to the brain. According to "Sheehy's Emergency Nursing Principles and Practice," each year in the United States nearly 700,000 people suffer from a stroke. The effects of the stroke will vary depending on the size and location within the brain.
History
When blood supply to the brain is disrupted, the brain does not get the oxygen and nutrients necessary for cell survival. Within minutes, brain cells die. A stroke is a medical emergency and, if treated promptly, the effects may be minimized.
Warning Signs
Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke is important in the preventing long-term effects. Patients experiencing a stroke may complain of numbness or weakness of arms or extremities on one side of their body. Family or friends may notice the patient appears confused, has trouble speaking or seems to have a loss of balance. In some instances, patients will have a sudden headache or visual disturbances. According to the American Heart Association, any of these symptoms are early warning signs of a stroke and emergency medical care should be sought.
Speech and Swallowing Effects
Following a stroke, patients are often left with physical changes that need to be addressed. Patients who have had a stroke may have difficulty understanding speech and saying what they are thinking. The muscles on one side of the face are weaker than the other side, which makes chewing and swallowing difficult for the patient.
Mobility Changes
A stroke will leave an individual with weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. This will require the patient to adapt to new methods of ambulating and performing day-to-day activities. Some patients will require the use of a walker or cane, and others may be confined to a wheelchair. The weakness or paralysis will also affect the patient's ability to dress and feed himself.
Emotional Behaviors
Parts of the brain are responsible for controlling emotions and thought processes. If a stroke occurs in one of these areas, patients may laugh at inappropriate times or cry for no apparent reason. Parts of the brain that control memory can also be affected. Stroke patients may find it difficult to be able to perform even simple tasks, and confuse the sequence of tasks. Based on all of the changes stroke patients must contend with, depression is commonly seen because these changes may never resolve.
References
- "Sheehy's Emergency Nursing Principles and Practice": Mosby Elsevier; 2010
- American Heart Association: Stroke Warning Signs
