Norma Lauderback, the subject of this case study, is 80. She shares a home with Floyd Lauderback, to whom she has been married for 50 years and they are locals of Riverbend City. Norma once dropped a dish while cleaning the dishes because she had a strange feeling. Her spouse came running to her side and inquired about what had occurred. She replied that her face felt numb. When her husband asked if she felt dizzy, she was unable to talk clearly but was able to gesture “yes” he dialed 911 right away to seek help. The medical professional questioned Norma in the hospital to learn more about her symptoms. The doctor revealed that Norma could only grin with one side of her face. Did not see from her right eye, could not fully raise her right arm, she hardly walked, did not see with both eyes but but she could understand every word the doctor said.
Norma’s Symptoms
A stroke is a condition in which blood flow to the brain tissue is interrupted, resulting in brain damage or cell death. Strokes are classified into ischemic stroke (caused by a blocked artery in the brain) and hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain). Of all strokes Ischemic strokes account for 87%, with hemorrhagic strokes accounting for the remaining 13% (Boubir, 2021). A stroke can cause sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty in speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, and severe headaches. Stroke was the world’s second leading cause of death in 2016, accounting for 5.2 million deaths(Boubir, 2021). Also, the lifetime risk of stroke for adults aged 25 and up was about 25%, a major cause of long-term disability worldwide (Boubir, 2021). Due to the numbness on one side of her body, Norma appears to be experiencing an ischemic stroke, but more medical testing can confirm this.
Side Effects: Cognitive and Physical
People suffering from stroke experience both cognitive and physical side effects that limit them in their day-to-day activities. One of the cognitive side effects is (PSD) Post Stroke Depression. With rates ranging from 20% to 40%, post-stroke depression (PSD) is a typical cognitive side effect of stroke. Poorer functional results, worse quality of life, and greater mortality rates were all linked to PSD (Mead, 2023). PSD can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, as well as a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, changes in appetite or sleeping patterns, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
PSD may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue or chronic pain. PSD is believed to be connected to modifications in brain chemistry and function brought on by the stroke. Several physical and psychological issues that typically plague stroke patients, such as persistent pain, social isolation, and financial stress, can also be associated with PSD. Following a stroke, cognitive impairment is a significant predictor of physical disability, and interventions to improve cognitive function may improve functional outcomes (Elsevier, 2023). A stroke or other neurological illness can impair thinking, memory, and other mental processing abilities, resulting in cognitive impairment. Stroke survivors’ ability to regain physical function after the stroke is hampered by cognitive impairment, which makes it more difficult for them to learn and remember new motor skills. Stroke survivors’ cognitive impairment makes it more difficult to follow rehabilitation exercise instructions or navigate complex healthcare systems.
Stroke patients frequently experience balance and gait problems,these impairments can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and their quality of life—stroke’s long-term physical effects, particularly on balance and gait. Stroke survivors had persistent balance and gait issues, which could limit their functional abilities (Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine – Content, n.d.). Stroke survivors commonly experience a variety of physical impairments, such as weakness, spasticity, and sensory deficits, all of which can contribute to balance and gait issues. Studies have emphasized on the significance of balance and gait training in stroke rehabilitation programs (Elsevier, 2023). Rehabilitation programs emphasizing balance and gait improvement can assist stroke survivors in regaining functional abilities and improving their overall quality of life.
Research options for treatment methods
Clot-busting drugs, also known as thrombolytic agents, can dissolve clots and restore blood flow to the affected area of the brain. Tissue plasminogen activator is the most commonly used thrombolytic agent in treating stroke (tPA) (Albers et al., 2018). Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) dissolves the clot and restores blood flow to the affected area of the brain. It works best when administered within the first few hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. However, because tPA can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications, it is inappropriate for all patients.
Doctors will evaluate the patient before administering tPA to see if they are a good candidate for treatment. A physical exam, imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI, and other tests to determine the severity and type of stroke may be included in this evaluation. If you suspect a stroke, seek medical attention right away because the effectiveness of clot-busting medications is time-sensitive. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of a successful outcome.
Antiplatelet drugs are medications that can lower the risk of blood clots in patients who have had a stroke or are at high risk of having one. These medications prevent blood platelets from clumping and forming clots (Lee, 2021). Aspirin, clopidogrel, and dipyridamole are some of the most commonly used antiplatelet drugs for stroke prevention. Depending on the patient’s specific situation, these drugs can be used alone or in combination. Aspirin is the most used antiplatelet drug, and it is frequently used in patients who have had a stroke or mini-stroke caused by a blood clot (also known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA). It works by inhibiting the production of thromboxane, a substance involved in the formation of blood clots. Another antiplatelet medication that can be used to prevent strokes is clopidogrel. It is frequently used in conjunction with aspirin in clients who have had a previous stroke or mini-stroke.
Summary and Conclusion
As Norma and her spouse were at home, she experienced an odd episode, and after being brought to the hospital, it appeared that she had an ischemic stroke. The second most common cause of death and disability worldwide is stroke. The body can be affected by a stroke in both a physiological and cognitive way. A patient may become bedridden or lose the use of their limbs. The research above demonstrates the various approaches that can enhance a stroke victim’s quality of life. Drugs for pain treatment, cutting-edge technology to help coordinate a weak arm after an ischemic stroke, and training for staff members and carers are a few of these therapies. In summary, these treatments are quite effective.
References
Albers, G. W., Marks, M. P., Kemp, S., Christensen, S., Tsai, J. P., Ortega-Gutierrez, S., McTaggart, R. A., Torbey, M. T., Kim-Tenser, M., Leslie-Mazwi, T., Sarraj, A., Kasner, S. E., Ansari, S. A., Yeatts, S. D., Hamilton, S., Mlynash, M., Heit, J. J., Zaharchuk, G., Kim, S., Lansberg, M. G. (2018). Thrombectomy for stroke at 6 to 16 Hours with Selection by Perfusion Imaging. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(8), 708–718.
Boubir, N. (2021). Strategic behavior in the service of comprehension of texts in French as a foreign language. International Journal of Humanities and Educational Research, 3(5), 234–239. Web.
Elsevier. (2023). Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases | ScienceDirect.com Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine – Content. (n.d.). Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine – Content.
Lee, K. Y. (2021). Antiplatelet therapy for secondary stroke prevention in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Cardiovascular Prevention and Pharmacotherapy, 3(4), 86–94. Web.
Mead, G. E. (2023). Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases. Physical fitness training after stroke-a crucial and exciting field for service development and research, 2-19. Web.
Self Evaluation
PSYC3500 Cognitive Psychology Paper Self-Evaluation
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