1. Introduction to Stroke
- What is a Stroke?
- Definition
- Types of strokes (Ischemic, Hemorrhagic, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA))
- Statistics
- Prevalence and incidence
- Demographics most at risk
2. Recognizing a Stroke
- Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- FAST Method
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.
3. Immediate Response and Treatment
- Emergency Services
- Importance of calling emergency services immediately
- What to expect when emergency services arrive
- Hospital Treatment
- Diagnostic tests (CT scan, MRI, blood tests)
- Acute treatments (tPA for ischemic stroke, surgical interventions)
- Critical care (ICU monitoring)
4. Post-Stroke Care and Rehabilitation
- Inpatient Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Outpatient Rehabilitation
- Continued therapy
- Support groups and counseling
- Home Care
- Adapting home environment
- Caregiver support
5. Prevention and Risk Factors
- Risk Factors
- Controllable (high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity)
- Uncontrollable (age, family history, gender, prior stroke or TIA)
- Lifestyle Changes
- Diet and nutrition
- Exercise
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use
- Medical Interventions
- Medications (anticoagulants, antihypertensives, statins)
- Regular medical check-ups
