11.3.8: Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
A cerebrovascular accident is also known as a stroke. A stroke can occur when the brain loses adequate oxygen supply. A stroke is a medical emergency. Obtain help immediately by calling 911. Remember the acronym FAST when assessing someone for possible stroke.
FAST:
F: Facial drooping . Is one side of the face drooping down and appear uneven?
A: Arm weakness . Can the person raise one arm or is one side weak or paralyzed?
S: Speech difficulties . Is the speech slurred or difficult to understand?
T: Time . Time is critical.
If Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides suspect a possible stroke, they should call 911 immediately!
Signs of a stroke:
- Drooping of the eye, face, or mouth
- Sudden weakness or paralysis of a hand, arm, leg, or foot. This usually occurs on one side of the body.
- Sudden inability to speak or swallow
- Tingling or numbness in an arm, hand, leg, or foot
- Sudden headache
- The patient reports suddenly having trouble seeing
- Sudden weakness
- Problems with balance, coordination
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering things
- Dizziness, fainting
What to do:
- Immediately call 911 and obtain emergency assistance.
- Keep the person in a comfortable, resting position.
- Loosen any tight clothing.
- Do not give the patient any food or liquid to drink.
- Note the time the stroke began. This is important information to provide to emergency services as it will help determine the course of treatment the person can receive.
- See if the person needs CPR. If they do, perform CPR if trained to do so . If not trained in CPR, perform hands-only CPR.
Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following are signs of a possible stroke? Select all that apply.
a). Facial drooping
b). Tingling or numbness in a hand or foot
c). Difficulty speaking
d). Sudden weakness
e). Trouble seeing
f). Paralysis of an arm or leg
True or False
2. If a patient has any signs of having a stroke, 911 should be called immediately. True or False? ________________
- Answer
-
1. All are signs of a possible stroke
2. True
FEEDBACK:
1. Signs of a stroke include: facial drooping, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, difficulty speaking, sudden weakness or difficulty seeing, or paralysis of an arm or leg.
2. 911 or emergency medical services should be contacted at the first sign of a person having a stroke. Time is of utmost importance for a person having a stroke. The types of treatments are affected by how much time has elapsed since the stroke started. The sooner a person having a stroke receives help, the more likely they will have a better outcome.