[TheForge] OT: Strokes

[theforge@mailman.qth.net]

Andy, 

    So sorry to hear the news of the stroke. 

    There are 2 types of strokes ischemic or hemorrhagic. Another way of 
looking at it is Wet or Dry. Wet stroke is hemorrhagic in nature meaning that a 
blood vessel ruptured spilling blood into the brain. A Dry Stroke is an ischemic 
stroke, this is caused by a blockage of blood flow to a part of the brain. 
This is accompanied by a loss of function of that area. Brain tissue has no 
means of storing glucose therefore any loss of blood flow means a rapid alteration 
in function. The blockages can be caused by many reasons including; vascular 
collapse, vasospasm, emboli, plaque formation, or thrombus formation. The term 
TIA, or Transient Ischemic attack, or mini stroke is the term that is used 
when the signs and symptoms of a stoke occur from vasospasm, these are rapid in 
onset and last for a few hours then dissipate, leaving some to no lasting 
effects.

    The human body is remarkable thing, and other parts of the brain and body 
will help to compensate for one areas lack of proper function. Recovery from 
a stoke varies but really the most important things that help in recovery is 
the attitude of the patient, the support of family and friends and the 
acceptance that full recovery may not be possible but to try to get as much function 
as can be recovered. 

   It sounds corny but it is true that taking dinner over to them and doing 
the dishes after is great therapy. Be there and listen, be a friend to her and 
her husband, he has been affected by this too.  

    Feel free to contact me off list if you have any questions. 
Time enough for sleep in the grave.
Tod Estes. RN.


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