Stroke Case Study

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Definitions Symptoms of stroke include numbness, weakness or paralysis, slurred speech, blurred vision, confusion and severe headache. Stroke is defined by the World Health Organization4 as a clinical syndrome consisting of ‘rapidly developing clinical signs of focal (at times global) disturbance of cerebral function, lasting more than 24 h or leading to death with no apparent cause other than that of vascular origin’. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is defined as stroke symptoms and signs that resolve within 24 hours. However, there are limitations to these definitions. For example, they do not include retinal symptoms (sudden onset of monocular visual loss), which should be considered as part of the definition of stroke and TIA. The symptoms of a TIA usually resolve within minutes or a few hours at most, and anyone with continuing neurological signs when first assessed should be assumed to have had a stroke. The term ‘brain attack’ is sometimes used to describe any neurovascular event and may be a clearer and less ambiguous term to use. A non-disabling stroke is defined as a stroke with symptoms that last for more than 24 hours but later resolve, leaving no permanent disability. Patient-centred care This guideline offers best practice advice on the care of adults with acute stroke or TIA. Treatment and care should take into account peoples’ needs and preferences. People with acute stroke or TIA should have the opportunity where possible to make informed decisions about their care and treatment, in partnership with their healthcare professionals. However, the person’s consent may be difficult to obtain at the time of an acute episode, or where the stroke or TIA results in communication problems. If the person does not have the capacity to make decisions, healthcare professionals should follow the Department of Health guidelines – ‘Reference guide to

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