Stroke Case Study
1. The man has had an ischaemic stroke, identify the biological changes that would have occurred in his brain during the process.
Arnold’s ischaemic stroke would be initiated when a lack of blood supply (ischaemia) is prevented from reaching the brain (NHS, 2016). The lack of oxygen causes the neurons within the brain to start a chain reaction, in the form of an ischaemic cascade. This begins seconds after the onset of ischaemia.
The ischaemic cascade is a biological reaction, it starts when there is a lack of oxygen and glucose this prevents the cells from creating adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP); this is the energy supply for cells. The organelle mitochondria, produces ATP, which regulates the chemicals within the cell, …show more content…
This symptom could determine that the left hemisphere of the frontal lobe has been affected. As the paralysis only affects one side this indicates hemiparesis (Verywell, 2016), as Arnold’s right arm is unaffected. Arnold’s hemiparesis could also support the theory that the stroke occurred in the frontal lobe (Brain injury-explanation, 2016). Arnold’s symptoms of speech difficulties, hemiparesis and loss of sensation indicate that the area of the broca’s region has been affected.
3. Identify the signs and symptoms of a stroke:
The signs of a stroke can be recognised by the acronym FAST:
Face: Has the face drooped, no longer mirrors facial movements
Arms: Unable to lift both arms, due to numbness or paralysis
Speech: Is the speech slurred or incoherent
Time: Is vital in suspected stroke, immediate medical attention is required (NHS, 2016) Confusion, severe headaches and dizziness could also be symptoms of a stroke (Stroke|brain & spine, 2016). The faster help is obtained, prevents further damage to the brain, as 32000 neurons die every second (Consumer Healthday, 2016).
4. Discuss the likely treatment options and prognosis for the …show more content…
(emedicine, 2016).
Overall the prognosis after an ischaemic stroke could be calculated by using the National Institutes of Health stroke scale. Arnold’s prognosis could be calculated here and if he scores less than 10 on the scale, the prognosis over the next year becomes more favourable (news medical net, 2016).
Different factors to take into consideration towards Arnold’s prognosis would be his age, previous history of high-blood pressure. As high blood pressure was a factor of 54% of stroke sufferers across the United Kingdom (Stroke, 2016). Arnold is now at risk of having another stroke, as one in four people who have had a stroke are now at risk from another stroke (Stroke org, 2016).
5. Emotional and behavioural changes can occur following a stroke. Using evidence to support, discuss the potential difficulties that these could have in relation to the man’s day to day
1. The man has had an ischaemic stroke, identify the biological changes that would have occurred in his brain during the process.
Arnold’s ischaemic stroke would be initiated when a lack of blood supply (ischaemia) is prevented from reaching the brain (NHS, 2016). The lack of oxygen causes the neurons within the brain to start a chain reaction, in the form of an ischaemic cascade. This begins seconds after the onset of ischaemia.
The ischaemic cascade is a biological reaction, it starts when there is a lack of oxygen and glucose this prevents the cells from creating adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP); this is the energy supply for cells. The organelle mitochondria, produces ATP, which regulates the chemicals within the cell, …show more content…
This symptom could determine that the left hemisphere of the frontal lobe has been affected. As the paralysis only affects one side this indicates hemiparesis (Verywell, 2016), as Arnold’s right arm is unaffected. Arnold’s hemiparesis could also support the theory that the stroke occurred in the frontal lobe (Brain injury-explanation, 2016). Arnold’s symptoms of speech difficulties, hemiparesis and loss of sensation indicate that the area of the broca’s region has been affected.
3. Identify the signs and symptoms of a stroke:
The signs of a stroke can be recognised by the acronym FAST:
Face: Has the face drooped, no longer mirrors facial movements
Arms: Unable to lift both arms, due to numbness or paralysis
Speech: Is the speech slurred or incoherent
Time: Is vital in suspected stroke, immediate medical attention is required (NHS, 2016) Confusion, severe headaches and dizziness could also be symptoms of a stroke (Stroke|brain & spine, 2016). The faster help is obtained, prevents further damage to the brain, as 32000 neurons die every second (Consumer Healthday, 2016).
4. Discuss the likely treatment options and prognosis for the …show more content…
(emedicine, 2016).
Overall the prognosis after an ischaemic stroke could be calculated by using the National Institutes of Health stroke scale. Arnold’s prognosis could be calculated here and if he scores less than 10 on the scale, the prognosis over the next year becomes more favourable (news medical net, 2016).
Different factors to take into consideration towards Arnold’s prognosis would be his age, previous history of high-blood pressure. As high blood pressure was a factor of 54% of stroke sufferers across the United Kingdom (Stroke, 2016). Arnold is now at risk of having another stroke, as one in four people who have had a stroke are now at risk from another stroke (Stroke org, 2016).
5. Emotional and behavioural changes can occur following a stroke. Using evidence to support, discuss the potential difficulties that these could have in relation to the man’s day to day