Glossary of Stroke-related Terms

• Aphasia: Difficulty with speaking, understanding, reading, or writing due to brain damage, often affecting the left side of the brain.
• Apraxia: Difficulty performing purposeful movements, such as brushing teeth, despite having the physical ability, due to brain damage.
• Aneurysm: A weak or bulging area in a blood vessel wall that can rupture, potentially causing a hemorrhagic stroke.
• Antiplatelet Drugs: Medications (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) that prevent blood clots by stopping platelets from sticking together.
• Anticoagulants: Blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, heparin) that reduce the risk of clots forming or growing, used to prevent ischemic strokes.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): An irregular heart rhythm that increases stroke risk by allowing blood to pool and form clots in the heart.
• Carotid Artery: Major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain; blockages or narrowing can lead to stroke.
• Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA): Another term for stroke, referring to a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain.
• Clot-Busting Drugs: Medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) used to dissolve clots in ischemic strokes if given soon after symptom onset.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: An imaging test using X-rays to detect stroke type, location, and extent by visualizing the brain.
• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, common after stroke, which may require dietary changes or therapy to manage.
• Dysarthria: Slurred or unclear speech caused by weakness or poor coordination of speech muscles after a stroke.
• Embolism: A clot or debris that travels through the bloodstream and blocks a brain artery, causing an ischemic stroke.
• Hemiparesis: Weakness on one side of the body, often affecting the arm, leg, or face, due to stroke-related brain damage.
• Hemiplegia: Paralysis on one side of the body, a more severe form of hemiparesis, caused by stroke or brain injury.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: A stroke caused by a blood vessel rupturing, leading to bleeding in or around the brain (about 13% of strokes).
• Hypertension: High blood pressure, a leading risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
• Ischemic Stroke: A stroke caused by a blockage (clot or plaque) in a blood vessel, cutting off blood flow to part of the brain (about 87% of strokes).
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An imaging test using magnetic fields to provide detailed pictures of the brain to diagnose stroke.
• Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections, which is key to recovery during stroke rehabilitation.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): Therapy focused on helping stroke survivors regain skills for daily activities like dressing, eating, or writing.
• Physical Therapy (PT): Therapy to improve strength, balance, and mobility in stroke survivors through targeted exercises.
• Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA): A condition causing uncontrollable laughing or crying due to stroke-related damage to emotional regulation areas.
• Rehabilitation: A program of therapies (physical, occupational, speech) to help stroke survivors regain function and independence.
• Spasticity: Muscle stiffness or involuntary contractions after a stroke, often treated with therapy or medications.
• Statins: Medications that lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and ischemic stroke.
• Stroke Belt: A region in the southeastern U.S. with higher stroke rates, linked to lifestyle and health factors.
• Thrombectomy: A surgical procedure to remove a clot from a brain artery, often used for severe ischemic strokes.
• Thrombus: A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and may block blood flow, leading to an ischemic stroke.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve quickly; a warning sign for future strokes.

Comprehensive Stroke Reference Guide for Survivors and Families

1. Understanding Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage due to lack of oxygen. This can result in physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments. Strokes are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, but early intervention and rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes.

Types of Stroke

• Ischemic Stroke (87% of cases): Caused by a blockage (clot or plaque) in a blood vessel supplying the brain.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke (13% of cases): Caused by a blood vessel rupturing, leading to bleeding in or around the brain.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A temporary blockage causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve within 24 hours; often a warning sign of future stroke risk.

2. Risk Factors

Understanding risk factors helps in prevention and management:

• Modifiable Risk Factors:
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Physical inactivity
  • Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm)
• Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
  • Age (risk increases after 55)
  • Gender (men have a slightly higher risk, but women have worse outcomes)
  • Family history of stroke
  • Race/ethnicity (higher risk in African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans)
  • Prior stroke or TIA

3. Recognizing Stroke Symptoms

Use the B.E.F.A.S.T acronym to identify stroke symptoms quickly:

• Balance unsteady
• Eyes blurry
• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911 if ANY of these syptoms appear

Other symptoms include sudden numbness, confusion, vision problems, trouble walking, or severe headache with no known cause.

4. Diagnosis and Immediate Treatment

• Diagnosis:
  • Imaging Tests: CT scans (to detect bleeding or clots) or MRI (for detailed brain images).
  • Physical Exams: Assess neurological function (e.g., reflexes, coordination).
  • Blood Tests: Check for clotting issues or other underlying conditions.
• Treatment for Ischemic Stroke:
  • Clot-Busting Drugs: Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
  • Mechanical Thrombectomy: A procedure to physically remove a clot, effective within 6-24 hours for large vessel blockages.
  • Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant Therapy: Medications like aspirin or warfarin to prevent further clots.
• Treatment for Hemorrhagic Stroke:
  • Surgery: To repair ruptured vessels or reduce brain pressure.
  • Medications: To control blood pressure and prevent seizures.

5. Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery varies based on stroke severity, affected brain areas, and individual factors. Key components include:

• Physical Therapy (PT): Improves strength, balance, and mobility.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): Helps regain daily living skills (e.g., dressing, cooking).
• Speech Therapy: Addresses speech, language (aphasia), or swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
• Cognitive Therapy: Supports memory, problem-solving, and attention deficits.
• Emotional Support: Counseling or medications for depression, anxiety, or pseudobulbar affect (uncontrollable laughing/crying).

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections, is central to recovery. Consistent therapy and lifestyle changes enhance outcomes.

6. Long-Term Management and Prevention

• Medications:
  • Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) or anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, apixaban) to prevent clots.
  • Statins to lower cholesterol.
  • Blood pressure medications to reduce strain on blood vessels.
• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet (e.g., Mediterranean diet) low in salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol.
  • Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity (e.g., walking, swimming) as approved by a doctor.
  • Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking to reduce vascular damage.
  • Alcohol Moderation: Limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks per day.
  • Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation techniques.
• Regular Checkups: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes to reduce stroke risk.

7. Common Post-Stroke Challenges

• Physical: Hemiparesis (weakness on one side), hemiplegia (paralysis), spasticity (muscle stiffness), or balance issues.
• Cognitive: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or impaired judgment.
• Communication: Aphasia (language difficulties) or dysarthria (slurred speech).
• Swallowing: Dysphagia, which may require dietary modifications or swallowing exercises.
• Emotional: Depression, anxiety, or pseudobulbar affect, often managed with therapy or medications.

8. Support for Families and Caregivers

• Emotional Support: Offer encouragement and patience; join support groups for shared experiences.
• Practical Help: Assist with daily tasks, transportation to therapy, or medication management.
• Education: Learn about stroke to understand the survivor’s needs and limitations.
• Safety: Adapt the home (e.g., install grab bars, remove tripping hazards) to prevent falls.
• Respite Care: Seek help from professionals or family to avoid caregiver burnout.

9. Returning to Daily Activities

• Driving: Requires medical clearance based on vision, reaction time, and motor skills. Vehicle modifications may be needed.
• Work: Returning to work depends on recovery and job demands. Vocational rehabilitation can help.
• Social Activities: Encourage participation in hobbies or community events to boost mental health and social connection.

10. Resources for Stroke Education and Support

• Organizations:
  • American Stroke Association: Offers educational materials, support groups, and recovery resources (www.stroke.org).
  • National Stroke Association: Provides survivor and caregiver support (www.stroke.org).
  • World Stroke Organization: Global resources for stroke prevention and care (www.world-stroke.org).
• Local Resources: Hospitals and rehabilitation centers often provide stroke education programs, support groups, and therapy services.

http://strokefoundation.org.au

https://pacificstrokeassociation.org

https://strokeawarenessoregon.org

https://www.strokeinfo.org

• Online Tools: Websites like Stroke Engine (www.strokengine.ca) offer evidence-based information on recovery and therapies.
• Hotlines: Emergency services (e.g., 911 in the U.S.) for immediate help; stroke helplines for non-emergency support.

11. Key Statistics

• Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability worldwide.
• About 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke annually; 1 in 4 are recurrent strokes.
• Early treatment (within 3-4.5 hours for tPA) can significantly reduce long-term disability.
• The “Stroke Belt” in the southeastern U.S. has higher stroke rates due to lifestyle and socioeconomic factors.

12. Glossary of Key Terms

• Aphasia: Difficulty with language (speaking, understanding, reading, or writing).
• Dysphagia: Trouble swallowing, often requiring therapy or dietary changes.
• Hemiparesis/Hemiplegia: Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
• Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections during recovery.
• Thrombectomy: Surgical removal of a clot in ischemic stroke.
• TIA: Temporary stroke-like symptoms signaling high stroke risk. (For a full glossary, refer to additional resources or prior materials.)

13. Action Plan for Stroke Awareness

• Learn BEFAST: Teach family and friends to recognize stroke symptoms. (Link our info)
• Know Your Risks: Regular health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. (Link our info)
• Prepare for Emergencies: Keep emergency numbers handy and know the nearest stroke center.
• Stay Informed: Attend stroke education workshops or webinars for ongoing learning.