What do i do if someone has a stroke
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What to Do If Someone Has a Stroke
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: FAST System
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke quickly is crucial. The FAST system is a helpful mnemonic to identify the main symptoms:
- Face: Look for facial asymmetry or drooping.
- Arms: Check for limb weakness or inability to raise one or both arms.
- Speech: Listen for slurred or blurred speech.
- Time: Time is critical; note the time symptoms started and seek immediate medical help.
Immediate Actions: Emergency Response
Call Emergency Services
At the first sign of a stroke, call emergency services immediately. The American Heart Association recommends that emergency calls should be processed within 90 seconds, with an emergency response time of 8 minutes and on-site care time of up to 15 minutes. Early intervention is key to reducing mortality and long-term disability.
Initial Assessment and Treatment
Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient should be quickly assessed by a stroke unit team. This includes a brief neurological examination and the determination of vital physiological parameters. Immediate tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, are essential to confirm the type of stroke and begin appropriate treatment, such as thrombolysis, if indicated.
Acute Stroke Treatments
Intravenous Thrombolysis
Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) is a well-established treatment for ischemic stroke. However, its effectiveness is highly time-dependent, and delays in treatment can significantly reduce its benefits. Efforts should be made to minimize the time from stroke onset to treatment to improve outcomes.
Mechanical Thrombectomy
For certain patients, mechanical thrombectomy using stent retrievers can be performed in conjunction with pharmacological thrombolysis. This procedure has been shown to improve functional outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusions.
Role of Stroke Units
Admission to dedicated stroke units is associated with better outcomes for stroke patients. These units provide specialized care, including continuous monitoring and early rehabilitation, which are critical in the acute phase of stroke management. Nurses play a pivotal role in the rapid identification, triage, and coordination of care for stroke patients, ensuring timely delivery of treatments and transfer to stroke units.
Post-Stroke Care and Rehabilitation
Early Rehabilitation
Early rehabilitation is essential for stroke recovery. It involves physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help patients regain lost functions and adapt to any disabilities. Emotional and psychological support is also crucial, as emotional difficulties can impact rehabilitation outcomes.
Information Provision
Providing stroke survivors and their carers with active information can improve their knowledge about stroke and related services, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance quality of life. Active information provision involves engaging patients and carers in discussions and providing opportunities for clarification and reinforcement.
Conclusion
Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. Recognizing the symptoms using the FAST system, calling emergency services, and ensuring rapid assessment and treatment are critical steps. Treatments like intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, along with specialized care in stroke units, significantly improve outcomes. Early rehabilitation and active information provision further support recovery and quality of life for stroke survivors and their carers.
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