Stroke

Strokes occur whenever an artery that supplies blood to the brain is clogged or ruptures. The brain needs to have a continuous flow of blood and oxygen in order to function properly. When the blood supply is interrupted and the brain cells are deprived of oxygen, cells immediately begin to die. If the obstruction lasts for more than a few minutes, this damage becomes permanent and often affects a person’s sensory functions that include speech, vision, movement and memory.

The location of the stroke in the brain directly affects the outcome. Since one side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body, a stroke on one side of the brain will affect the neurological functions on the other side of the body. A stroke in the right side of the brain could result in vision problems, memory loss and paralysis on the left side of the body. A stroke in the left side of the brain could result in speech and language problems, memory loss and paralysis on the right side of the body.

Symptoms and Treatment

Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every minute of every day. Reducing your risk of having a stroke is the best way to prevent a stroke from occurring. The factors beyond a person’s control are genetics (i.e., family history of having strokes), age, sex and race. The factors you can control include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, weight, lack of exercise, drinking and stress.

Strokes usually occur suddenly without any warning and require immediate emergency medical treatment. However, there are several “early warning signs” of strokes:

• Loss of speech
• Numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
• Dizziness and severe headache
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty swallowing

A person’s recovery from a stroke is often directly related to how quickly they are treated by emergency healthcare professionals. The location and degree of brain damage also affects their ability to recover. Professional rehabilitation is sometimes needed to relearn motor and speech skills, as well as learning how to function with their new physical limitations.

When a stroke patient is initially confined to bed, they must be monitored in order to prevent bedsores, pneumonia and muscle atrophy. Exercise is important, even while in bed. Intensive rehab is vital from the beginning and includes the complete team of healthcare professionals: primary care physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and home care nurses.

Rehab can take days, weeks, months and even years. Statistically, the most improvement in movement, speech and vision occurs within the first three weeks after a stroke. Mobility often takes up to six months to improve. And complete recovery or rehab to their new level of ability can take up to two years. New studies have shown that a family’s involvement and support during rehab plays a major part in this process and often determines its success or failure.

Stroke Products

Homecare bedroom products are available that help to improve their daily quality of life. These include:

• Safety Polls and Rails
• Bedside Table
• Bedside Commode
• Patient Lift

Mobility products help the patient with ambulation and/or mobility either within or outside of the home. These include:

• Canes
• Walkers
• Wheelchairs
• Scooters

Aids to Daily Living (ADLs) help stroke patients remain independent by facilitating their daily tasks in eating, dressing, bathing and toileting. These include:

• Reachers
• Pill Dispensers

Bath Safety Products help to maintain stability and compensate for loss of strength when toileting and bathing. These include:

• Bedpans and Urinals
• Elevated Toilet Seats
• Bedside Commodes
• Bath Benches or Chairs

Stroke Resources

American Stroke Association
888-478-7653
www.strokeassociation.org

American Heart Association (AHA)
800-242-8721
www.americanheart.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
www.ninds.nih.gov