Stroke
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel inside or on the surface of the brain bursts. A stroke is a serious medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention, just like a heart attack. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. It is the most common cause of adult disability.
With stroke, the sooner treatment begins, the better. Knowing the signs of stroke and calling 911 immediately can help save the person from death or disability. Timely treatment can save brain cells and greatly reduce or even reverse the damage.
A stroke can happen blood vessel in the brain becomes fully or partly blocked or when a blood vessel bursts. When blood flow to the brain is stopped or reduced during a stroke, some brain cells die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need. Other brain cells die because they are damaged by swelling caused by the blockage or bleeding or by inflammation. Some brain cells die quickly but many stay in a compromised or weakened state for several hours. This allows for treatment of the stroke in many cases. Stroke causes permanent brain damage within minutes or hours. But early treatment can reduce disability and save lives.
Click below
Worksheet: Coordinating Caregiving Responsibilities
Caregiving comes with many responsibilities, from helping with housework
to driving an older person to doctor’s appointments. It can be helpful to divide
up the caregiving duties among family and friends. You can use this checklist to help you
coordinate. It is arranged by type of task, such as “health and medical care.” Add other
activities as needed and note who is taking care of each one in the “Caregiver” column.
Click on the side tab to download and print checklist by the National Institue for Aging