(Author, Department, University,
Corresponding Address and email)
Stroke is caused by a disturbance in the blood circulation to the brain; thereby, resulting in a neurologic deficit. It is among the leading causes of disabilities in the U.S. It can become a significant burden for prolonged care (Buttaro, 2013). Patients experiencing first stroke have significantly increased chances of having a subsequent stroke (Lawrence, Fraser, Woods, & McCall, 2011). It is also among the most important causes of death in the U.S. (Buttaro, 2013). Therefore, it is important to educate patients about the prevention strategies.
Among the patient education, two things are important: one is the education about risk factors, and the other is related to the identification of stroke signs and symptoms as well as emergency treatment. Patients have to be educated that hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for stroke. They have to consider the lifestyle changes and know the importance of medical therapy. Other risk factors are obesity, cigarette smoking, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia (Buttaro, 2013). Abnormal blood lipids, unhealthy diet, and psychosocial stress are also among the important risk factors. These risk factors are also modifiable. Patients and their family members have to know that family plays an important role in the modification of lifestyle (Lawrence, Kerr, Watson, Jackson, & Brownlee, 2009). It is important to educate patients about warning signs as reports are showing that almost two thirds of people are unaware about the warning signs of stroke (Buttaro, 2013).
After facing the stroke, patients may also suffer from physical as well as psychosocial impairments such as sensory, motor, cognitive, perceptual, and communication skills that could disturb the normal daily activities and social life of patients. Rehabilitation services are essential for optimizing the recovery process after stroke (Buttaro, 2013).
References
Buttaro, T. M. (2013). Primary Care: A Collaborative Practice: Elsevier/Mosby.
Lawrence, M., Fraser, H., Woods, C., & McCall, J. (2011). Secondary prevention of stroke and transient ischaemic attack. Nursing standard, 26(9), 41-46.
Lawrence, M., Kerr, S., Watson, H., Jackson, J., & Brownlee, M. (2009). A summary of the guidance relating to four lifestyle risk factors for recurrent stroke: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet and physical activity. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 5(10).
