STROKE Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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 to 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 differ from transient ischemic attack (TIA). It will also include tests as well as a type of referrals or consults. There are various signs and symptoms of stroke. The first main symptom for 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 on speaking as well as lack of proper understanding of speech. There is also a problem in seeing in 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 flow to some areas o f the brain is only stopped for a short duration (National Stroke Association, 2014). As it the flow stops temporary, 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 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 the best to establish about the symptoms. Also, various tests will be done to help confirm the diagnosis as well as determine the