Transient ischemic attacks, also called TIAs, are minor or warning strokes. During a TIA, conditions indicative of a clot type stroke are present and the typical stroke warning signs develop. The obstruction (blood clot) occurs only for a short time and tends to resolve itself through normal mechanisms. Even though the symptoms disappear after a short time, TIAs are strong indicators of a possible major stroke in the future. Steps should be taken immediately to prevent a future stroke.
The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can’t reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won’t work.
Current estimates show that every 12 minutes that pass without treatment after a stroke causes a pea- sized piece of the brain to die, never to recover. The estimated loss of brain cells during stroke can be translated into accelerated brain aging – 8.7 hours for every second’s delay, 3.1 weeks for every minute, 3.6 years for every hour, and 36 years for every day a stroke goes untreated!
Every 3 minutes, someone dies of stroke. It is the leading cause of long-term disability. Stroke kills more women than breast cancer. Effects of a stroke can be significantly reversed if treated within 3 hours of onset!
STROKE WARNING SIGNS
• Facial weakness • Arm weakness • Speech problems • Time
Stroke is a true medical emergency. Know the warning signs and teach them to others. Every second counts with stroke. Watch for sudden:
• one-sided numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg.
• confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty with cognition.
• difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• severe headache with no known cause.
Prevention The best way is, of course, to prevent a stroke before it occurs. Knowing the risk factors and taking steps to reduce them is your best option to avoid a stroke.
Oxygen is one of the most important treatments for stroke onboard the aircraft. Providing high flow O2 allows more oxygenated blood to the brain, thereby lessening the chances of brain damage.
PUPILS
A stroke may affect the vision in one or both eyes. It may also produce a side effect which is noticeable in the pupils of the eyes. The responsiveness of the pupils is one vital sign that will be necessary for you to obtain in a medical emergency.
Begin by telling the patient that you will be looking into both eyes and using a light to test the responsiveness of them. Look first at both eyes and compare the size of the pupils. Normal pupils are similar in size. If the size of the pupils are similar, we say this is “equal.”
Central Nervous System 59
COMMON RISK FACTORS: • High blood pressure • Tobacco use • High cholesterol • Diabetes
Both stroke and coronary heart disease share many of the same risk factors such as cholesterol disorders, high blood pressure, smoking or other tobacco use, diabetes, physical inactivity and obesity.
Treatment
In the emergency care setting, time is critical. Your ability to recognize the warning signs and sudden onset of symptoms can make the difference! When you notice the symptoms of a stroke, calling for help immediately is the best thing you can do! Notify the PIC and Aircare Access. Often, people mistake the signs and symptoms of a stroke for old age or just being tired. As stated earlier, loss of time means loss of brain. Get help for the stroke patient immediately.
Additionally, placing the patient in a position of comfort (normally sitting upright) may allow easier breathing. Placing an unconscious patient on the affected side in the recovery position will help protect the airway.
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