10.1 STROKE This concept was taken from module 10 “Assessment of nervous system”, Sub-topic 3 “common abnormalities and assessment findings of nervous system”. Stroke is a condition of both the nervous and cardio-vascular system. Stroke is a condition of brain damage which results due to shortage of blood supply. The blood supply to the arteries of the brain is reduced leading to brain damage. This result from shortage of blood supply and glucose supply to the brain. In the US it is the fourth leading cause of death. Stroke is also known as cerebro-vascular accident and it is a medical emergency. TYPES OF STROKE There are two main types of stroke namely ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, though some authors belief that transient …show more content…
Indeed I found out that stroke in very sudden in onset. She was alright when we left the house and on walking to the bathroom she fell and had stroke immediately. She developed hemiplegia of the right side. She was rushed to the hospital and treatment commenced immediately but as it is known that stroke always leaves a mark. She is affected on the right side and cannot do anything on her own. She developed speech problem, blurred vision, initially there was respiratory problem but after treatment it resolved. She also lost consciousness for about 5 hours, her urethral sphincter was affected and she is presently using adult …show more content…
10.7 RECENT RESEARCH
A research was carried out in Changi General Hospital, Division of Geriatric medicine, Singapore. The study was carried out to find out the types and frequencies of complication after a stroke attack, especially in a rehabilitation setting, the hospital wanted to find out the type of complication that will result in referring patient back to the initial physician. The study was conducted over a period of six months from January 2001 to June 2001 to patients transferred to the rehabilitation team. The complications that occurred were noted and their rate of occurrence. At the end of the study a total of 140 case notes were reviewed. Total complication rate was 54.3% and complications were rated from highest to lowest as follow; constipation 22.9%, acute retention of urine 20.9%, urinary tract infections 14.3%, depression 9.3%, limb pain 8.6%. The study also shows that patients of 65years and above are more likely to suffer multiple complications. The study also shows that it is important to identify and treat complications early as it helps to improve outcome and save