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Stroke Care
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a life-threatening event in which the brain's vital supply of oxygen is disrupted. A stroke can affect the senses, speech, behavior, thought patterns, and memory. It may also result in paralysis, coma, and death. Patients who have suffered a stroke will require integrated, specialized stroke care, because the medical and functional needs of each patient will vary on the way to recovery.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, and leg, usually on one side of the body.
- Loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding speech.
- Dimness or loss of vision, particularly only in one eye.
- unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, or falls.
- sudden, sever headache.
- Please call 911 if you feel you may be experiencing a stroke.
How is a stroke diagnosed and treated?
A physical and neurological exam will usually confirm a stroke diagnosis. A computerized tomography (CT) scan or a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can pin-point the area and extent of brain damage. Treatment usually involves hospitalization for drug therapy and possible surgery. Medication can often help prevent new clots from getting bigger. Surgery may be used to remove fatty deposits that reduce blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of clot formation.
Stroke rehabilitation aims to improve physical ability and reduce dependence. It also requires an interdisciplinary team of health professionals, caregivers and family members sharing information to ensure that our stroke patients receive best practice care. Typically, stroke rehabilitation will continue in an in-patient stroke unit, outpatient clinics, and in-home settings.
Success depends on the extent of brain damage, the patients attitude, the skill of the rehabilitation team, and the cooperation of family, friends, and caregivers. the stroke patients goal is to become as independent and productive as possible, given the limitations resulting from the stroke. Getting the most out of rehabilitation therapy requires determination, patience, hard work and a positive attitude.
Our approach to stroke rehabilitation entails a progressive, dynamic and goal-oriented process to ensure that patients who have been affected can achieve their optimal physical, cognitive, visual, perceptual, emotional and communicative levels of function.
Our interdisciplinary stroke care teams include a dietitian, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, physician, physiotherapist, social worker and speech language pathologist. Team members are continually sharing information regarding each patients progress and are also provided with additional training regarding each patients specific needs.
Our stroke teams provide care based on the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations and Toronto Stroke Networks' Stroke Standard of Care.
What can I do to avoid a stroke?
- High blood pressure id the major risk factor in stroke, so have your blood pressure checked regularly and keep it under control.
- Eat a well balanced diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fats.
- If you have diabetes, keep it well controlled, because it is linked with an increased risk of stroke.
- If you use alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Do not smoke.
- Ask your doctor about taking low-dose aspirin (for example, a daily baby aspirin) Studies show that this helps prevent strokes.