STROKES 1 in 20 among those aged 65 or older living in households will suffer a stroke Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in Canada. 40, ,000 strokes a year in Canada.

STROKES The importance of Rapid and Accurate assessment of potential and actual stroke patients in the emergency setting is vital to improving stroke care. “BRAIN ATTACK” - Causes and treatment of strokes can be compared to Heart Attacks

“TIME IS BRAIN Strokes are a true emergency! ALL STROKES are treatable and will benefit from good pre-hospital emergency care.

A Stroke is….. A sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain resulting in a brain injury.

Causes of Strokes Hemorrhagic (bleeding) Ischemic (blockage)

HEMORRHAGIC STROKES Patients appear more seriously ill and deteriorate more rapidly. Hypertension is the most common cause. Hemorrhagic strokes are due to a ruptured artery bleeding into the brain and applying pressure to the brain.

ISCHEMIC STROKES “BRAIN ATTACK”

ISCHEMIC STROKES 70-80% of strokes are ischemic. Usually patients appear less ill than hemorrhagic stroke. Caused by a thrombosis or embolism which results in a clot forming in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. Same process as a heart attack.

TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK (TIA)

TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary form of a brain attack. Symptoms are the same as for a stroke, however, they may last only a few minutes and usually resolve within one hour. Similar to Angina which is reversible

Sign & Symptoms of Stroke Unilateral paralysis Weakness Clumsiness or heaviness involving the hand, arm, face or leg alone or in combination Ataxia/poor balance

Sign & Symptoms of Stroke Language disturbance Sudden severe headache Decreased LOC/drowsiness Dilated pupil(s) Visual disturbance Dizziness/vertigo

CONDITIONS THAT MIMIC A STROKE Seizures Infection/sepsis Hypoglycemia Brain abscess and tumours Head trauma

PRIMARY ASSESSMENT Rapidly identify any major compromises in: LOC Airway Breathing Circulation

Vital Signs History –The history of previous STROKE, TIAs, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE should be included in your history taking of all suspected stroke patients. –Allow for yes and no answers. Stroke patients can often not talk and answer questions. Secondary Assessment

STROKE MANAGEMENT Manage airway High Concentration O2 (just like a heart attack!) Lie on affected side