Stroke is expected to become an increasing burden in Ghana over the next decade. The current stroke epidemic is a cause for serious concern as there is a need for urgent prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease not only in Ghana but also across Sub Saharan Africa. Never the less much of the global health focus tends to be on communicable diseases. A review of the literature suggests that stroke units are the way forward for improving stroke mortality and functional outcomes for stroke patients (SUTC 1997), however, much of the data has been obtained from developed countries. Raising questions as to whether the same results can be achieved across developing countries that are resource challenged. Therefore, there is a need for research …show more content…
This further raises some questions around the applicability of stroke unit in developing countries. However, the results must be interpreted cautiously due to several limitations of the study. In order for an observational study of the impact of SU care to be interpreted with confidence, there should be adequate matching of baseline characteristics, for example stroke type and severity between the two settings being compared in order to allow for case-mix adjustment during analysis of the data. Unfortunately, this was not possible because a limited number of patients on the general medical ward had computed tomography. Therefore, a limited amount of data was captured for stroke patients admitted onto the general medical ward. Whereas, on the stroke unit computed tomography is compulsory gold standard and all stroke patients in the study underwent this procedure, which could potentially facilitate better management of stroke cases. This study did not analyze stroke severity (barthel index), which can also have an impact on mortality and hospital length of stay. This data was being collected for stroke patients on the stroke unit but not on the general medical ward. In addition, unfortunately like many of the studies in developing countries as mentioned in the literature review, this study did not capture the …show more content…
Unfortunately our study did not determine the cause of stroke death due to an inability to access death certificates of stroke cases in a timely manner considering the time constraints of the study. Analysis of the death certificates would allow for elimination of the cases of death not related to a stroke and allows for examination of the cause of stroke deaths, helping to identify ways to better manage stroke patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Although death certificates could not be retrieved for this study, published data suggest that the mortality benefit observed in developed countries SU may be attributed to a reduction in post stroke complications. It is likely that the improved early mortality is largely attributed to better attention to the prevention of early complications of stroke such as aspiration, dehydration, deep venous thrombosis, drip site infection, and urinary tract infections in catheterized
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or condensed. Blood works to transport oxygen and other beneficial substances to the body’s cells and organs, as well as the brain. There are two main types of strokes that are known as Ischemic strokes and Hemorrhagic strokes. When the blood vessels that provides for the brain becomes congested, is it referred to as ischemic stroke, the most common stroke within adults. Blood clots, a cluster of blood that sticks together, are the cause of Ischemic strokes. Ischemic strokes also takes place when arteries become backed up with plague, leaving less blood to flow. Plague is cholesterol, calcium and fibrous and connective tissue that sticks to the walls of blood vessels. Ischemic strokes eternally damage the brain and cause a person's body to no longer function habitually.Some risk factors that may increase stroke are high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Some stroke factors are also due to old age or having a family that has a history of strokes. Men are more likely to have a stroke but the most st...
It goes without saying that everyone’s health is important and should be taken care carefully. Everyone has heard of strokes before but many people do not really know its meaning, types, and the number of individuals of that dies due to this issue. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), strokes kills an average of 130,000 people a year and it is one of the most common deaths that happen in the United States. An average of 800,000 of people die from cardiovascular disease and strokes and it is also a reason of long-term disability (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Strokes, which can also be called cerebrovascular accident or CVA happen when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or the blood vessel going towards the brain burst. Then part of the brain dies or become seriously injured because the brain cells do not receive oxygen and they eventually die. People’s lifestyle may also impact seriously on their health and increase the possibility of having a stroke. Some of the risk that can severely increase the cause of stroke would be high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cigarette smoking, as well as strokes that
It is frequently expressed by stroke patients and caregivers that they have not been afforded the suitable information related to stroke, treatments, or post discharge management and recovery, and that the information conveyed is perceived as insufficient and complex. The problem is that there is a failure of healthcare professionals in identifying the learning needs of stroke patients associated with a deficiency in knowledge of just how to access and communicate this crucial information. Indeed, while patient education can be time consuming and nurses may not be properly trained in stroke education it is a nursing duty to provide these teachings to patients and caregivers prior to discharge. This paper will propose an educational plan intended to train, assist, and support nursing staff responsible for stroke patient education, in providing accurate, individualized, guideline based stroke education to patients and families prior to discharge. This plan
A stroke is the acute neurologic injury that come as a result of an effect of ischemia or haemorrhage of the encephalon. Ischemia is caused by diminished supply of arterial blood which carries sugar and oxygen to brain tissue. Haemorrhagic stroke is due to intracerebral or subarachnoid bleeding and it damages the brain directly at the site of the bleeding by compressing the encircling tissue. Ischemic strokes can be embolic or thrombotic. Thrombotic stroke consequences from clot formation in the arterial blood vessel that provides blood to the encephalon, and can bear upon either large vessel or small vessel.
A stroke can happen at any age but for patients who are 55 and older, their risk factor will increase due to age and physical activity. “While stroke is common among the elderly, a lot of people under 65 also have strokes”(“About Stroke” page 1). Also at risk are African Americans because of other health issues that can trigger a stroke, for example: high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Caucasians and Hispanics are also at. Not only does Ethnicity and age play a factor, but so does other health conditions. Patients who suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, alcohol and drug
Strokes seen in the hospital out of 70 percent of those strokes are ischemic strokes, the remaining 30 percent is a mixture of experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic attack. During 59 minutes, an ischemic stroke kills 1.9 million ...
...rden and stress induced by the individuals with aphasia as a result of stroke on their caregivers. This was mainly due to communication breakdowns and the extensive care they need to provide them over a long period of time. We need local data as the context of Malaysia is different with overseas where such research are carried out such as United States and United Kingdom. The stroke care system in developing countries such as China and Malaysia are sparse with quality and quantity of stroke care varies between regions of different income (Brainin, 2007). Some provide excellent care but some area are in severe need for rehabilitation service, depending upon patients' location, socioeconomic status, education, and cultural beliefs (Brainin, 2007). All these factors will results in different rehabilitation outcome and thus affecting the burden on the caregiver as well.
Cerebrovascular disease or the term stroke is used to describe the effects of an interruption of the blood supply to a localised area of the brain. It is characterized by rapid focal or global impairment of cerebral function lasting more than 24 hours or leading to death (Hatano, 1976). As such it is a clinically defined syndrome and should not be regarded as a single disease. Stroke affects 174-216 people per 10,000 population in the UK per year and accounts for 11% of all deaths in England and Wales (Mant et al, 2004). The risk of recurrent stroke within 5 years is between 30-43%. One problem is that the incidence of stroke rises steeply with age and the number of elderly people in the UK is on the increase. To date people who experience a stroke occupy around 20 per cent of all acute hospital beds and 25 per cent of long term beds (Stroke Association, 2004). The British Government now identifies stroke as a major economic burden on the National Health Service (DoH, 2002).
... J. (2009). Heart disease and stroke statistics--2010 updated: a report from the American Heart Association. Journal of the American Heart Association. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.192667
This module has enabled the author to understand the concept of vulnerability, risk and resilience in relation to stroke. Therefore, it will contribute to her professional development and lifelong learning (NES, 2012). Additionally, the author has gained evidence based knowledge of person-centred care, compassion and self-awareness; all of which can be used to inform future practice (Miller, 2008). Consequently, she will be able to provide the appropriate level of care that can make a difference to a person’s recovery.
“Time is brain” is the repeated catch phrase when addressing the treatment and management of stroke (Saver, 2006). Access to prompt and appropriate medical care during the first few hours of stroke onset is critical to patient survival and outcomes. Recent changes in the guidelines for acute stroke care released by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) have improved patient access to treatment. Stroke treatment now follows the model of myocardial infarction treatment. Hospitals are categorized into four levels based on stroke treatment capability. The most specialized treatment is available in comprehensive stroke centers followed by primary stroke centers, acute stroke-ready hospitals, and community hospitals. The use of telemedicine now enables even community hospitals, with limited specialized capabilities, to care for stroke patients. Telemedicine puts emergency hospital personnel in contact with neurologists providing expertise in the evaluation of a stroke patient and determination of their eligibility for treatment with thrombolytic medication (Jefferey, 2013).
Stroke has been classified as the most disabling chronic disease, with deleterious consequences for individuals, families, and society1. Stroke impacts on all domains in the ICF. The body dimension (body functions and structures), the individual dimension (activity), and the social dimension (participation). All domains influence each other2.
The main aim of this report is to present and analyse the disease called Cerebrovascular Accident popularly known as stroke. This disease affects the cerebrovascular system, which is a part of the cardiovascular system. To achieve this aim this report will firstly talk about the cerebrovascular system with its structure and functions. The main body of this report will look at causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and prevention of stroke.
The animals that stroke primarily affects are humans. This is likely caused by risk factors that humans attain, such as cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, a poor diet, stroke occurring in ancestors, and physical activity/obesity. Stroke has is also starting to become recognized in cats, dogs, and rabbits. According to the World Health Organization, 15 million people suffer from a stroke worldwide every year. Of the people diagnosed, 5 million die and 5 million are permanently disabled. In the United States, 795,000 suffer from stroke annually. 85 percent of the diagnosed strokes are ischemic and 15 percent of them are hemorrhagic As for the humans diagnosed, three fourths of the people that suffer from a stroke are elderly (over the age of 65). This is caused by raising cholesterol levels and the narrowing of arteries as someone ages. Ethnicity, as well as age can also affect a person’s risk to fall victim to a stroke. Africans have a much higher risk of death from a stroke than Caucasians do. This is partly because blacks have greater risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Research suggests Africans may carry a gene that makes them more salt sensitive, inevitably increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Fortunately, research is still being done to prevent stroke. Rats and mice are primary animal subjects for studying this deadly
Stroke is a serious medical condition that affects people of all ages specifically older adults. People suffer from a stroke when there is decreased blood flow to the brain. Blood supply decreases due to a blockage or a rupture of a blood vessel which then leads to brain tissues dying. The two types of stroke are ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot blocking the artery that brings oxygenated blood to the brain. On the other hand, a hemorrhagic stroke is when an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures (“About Stroke,” 2013). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of adult disability” (“About Stroke,” 2013). Stroke causes a number of disabilities and also leads to decreased mobility in over half of the victims that are 65 and older. The CDC lists several risk factors of stroke such as heredity, age, gender and ethnicity as well as medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and excessive weight gain that in...