Stroke Care
Stroke Care Risk Factors Classification Assessment Treatment References	Classifying Stroke The two broad classifications of stroke are ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, while a transient ischemic attack has a similar presentation in comparison to a stroke. (Aehlert, 2007) An ischemic stroke is caused when a specific region of the brain has no blood supply as a result of a blockage of the supplying blood vessel; there are two forms of an ischemic stroke known as thrombotic stroke and embolic stroke. During a thrombotic stroke, the supplying blood vessel is blocked by a clot that has developed within the vessel, and is unable to deliver blood to the affected region of the brain. Alternatively, during an embolic stroke, the supplying blood vessel is blocked by a clot that has been transferred to the brain by blood supplied from another area in the body. (Aehlert, 2007) A transient ischemic attack is the result of a temporary blockage in the supplying blood vessel of the brain; the patient will experience stroke-like symptoms that should resolve completely in approximately an hour. Furthermore, testing, such as magnetic resonance imaging, is used to determine if the patient has suffered a transient ischemic attack or a stroke. (Aehlert, 2007) A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain bursts unexpectedly on the outside or the inside of the brain; there are two forms of a hemorrhagic stroke known as subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. During a subarachnoid hemorrhage, the supplying blood vessel bursts in the space between the brain and the skull; “‘the worst headache of my life’ is a classic description” of this form of hemorrhagic stroke (Aehlert, 2007, p. 367). Alternatively, during an intracerebral hemorrhage, the supplying blood vessel bursts inside the brain; for example, this blood vessel may have been weakened as a result of hypertension over a lengthy timeframe. (Aehlert, 2007)
Ms. Simmi Prasad April 9, 2009