At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Explain how a stroke occurs
- List some fixed risk factors for stroke
- List some reversible risk factors for stroke
- Explain each of the four steps in the F.A.S.T stroke detection and response method
- List some additional symptoms of a stroke
- Explain first aid for a person suffering a stroke
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is a stroke?
A medical condition in which blood isn't properly delivered to part of the brain.
Is a stroke dangerous?
Yes, a stroke is very dangerous.
What are "fixed" stroke risk factors?
These are factors that can't be changed but make it more likely for a person to have a stroke. They include age (being over 55); genetics and family history (having family members who've experienced a stroke); race (being African-American); gender (being a woman); and having had a previous heart attack or stroke.
What are non-fixed stroke risk factors?
Non-fixed stroke risk factors are factors that make a person more likely to have a stroke but that can also be changed, reversed, modified, controlled, or managed. These include high blood pressure, smoking cigarettes, diabetes, artery disease, atrial fibrillation, other heart disorders or diseases, sickle cell anemia, high blood cholesterol, poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity.
What's a so-called mini-stroke?
A mini-stroke, sometimes called a warning stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a stroke that's caused by a blood clot that dissolves on its own, sometimes within a few minutes. These usually cause no permanent damage, but should be taken seriously.
What is the F.A.S.T. stroke detection method?
Created by the American Stroke Association, F.A.S.T. is a method for identifying stroke symptoms and remembering to call for emergency medical assistance. "F" stands for face dropping; "A" stands for arm weakness; "S" stands for speech difficulty; and "T" stands for time to call for medical help.
What should a person do if someone is having a stroke?
Call emergency medical assistance immediately.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that leads to the brain is blocked by a clot or bursts. It is a medical emergency because any time blood flow to the brain is stopped, interrupted, or reduced, severe brain damage and even death can result. It is very important to get the person immediate medical care because brain cells begin to die within minutes after a person has had a stroke. In this course, you will learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke as well as how to provide first aid for a stroke.
Use the additional resources and links below to learn more about this topic:
- American Stroke Association - www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/
- Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.org
- Mayo Clinic Stroke First Aid - http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-stroke/basics/ART-20056602
- US National Library of Medicine – www.nlm.nih.gov
- Medline Stroke - https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stroke.html
- WebMD – www.medmd.com
- WebMD Stroke First Aid - http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/stroke-treatment
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov
- CDC Stroke - http://www.cdc.gov/Stroke/index.htm