The Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke - Assignment Example

The effect of stroke on a person depends on the region of its occurrence in the brain and the extent of the damage. A stroke can occur in any person. In some affected individuals, there is total recovery while others may have some form of disability. However, a stroke can be prevented. The paper will discuss the signs and symptoms of a stroke. It will also demonstrate how stroke differs from transient ischemic attack (TIA). It will also include tests as well as a type of referral or consults.

There are various signs and symptoms of a stroke. The first main symptom of the disease is numbness or weakness. Numbness is evident in the face, arm, or leg and usually is felt on one side of the body (National Library of Medicine (NLM), 2015). The other symptom is confusion and challenges in speaking as well as a lack of proper understanding of speech. There is also a problem with seeing with one or two eyes. The affected person may also experience challenges in walking, feels dizzy, and may demonstrate loss of balance or coordination (NLM, 2015). The individual may also experience a persistent headache with no identifiable cause.

There is a difference between stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). In TIA, blood flows to some areas of the brain and is only stopped for a short duration (National Stroke Association, 2014). As the flow stops temporarily, the symptoms may be like of those experienced in stroke. However, the symptoms last only for a day or less (National Stroke Association, 2014). The other difference is that TIA does not lead to any permanent damage in the affected person (National Stroke Association, 2014). However, the signs should be a warning of an impending stroke.

The initial workup of a patient with a possible stroke is a crucial process. It entails carrying out a physical assessment (NHS, 2014). The doctor will try their best to establish the symptoms. Also, various tests will be done to help confirm the diagnosis as well as determine the cause of the stroke (NHS, 2014). An example of such is a blood test. This will help in establishing the affected person's cholesterol and blood sugar level, checking pulse rate, and taking a blood pressure measurement (NHS, 2014). The other significant test is a brain scan. The test will help determine the cause of the stroke, the parts of the brain affected, and its severity (NHS, 2014).

The other is a CT scan. This is used to show the type of stroke one is suffering from. MRI scans are also used to establish the location and extent of the damage. The ultrasound may also be used to establish the presence of a clot in the blood (NHS, 2014). The other significant test is the swallow test. One is given some liquid to take to determine whether there is difficulty in swallowing. The presence of difficulty means one is supposed to be referred to the speech and language therapist for further examination (NHS, 2014). Read More