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Stroke. Risks, recognition, and return to work
Julie Johnson Zerwic1, Kathy Ennen, Holli A DeVon
1University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Insights
Stroke, a major vascular event, presents as ischemic or hemorrhagic. Prompt recognition of symptoms and timely intervention, particularly for ischemic stroke within six hours, are crucial for effective management and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Stroke is broadly classified into ischemic (arterial occlusion) and hemorrhagic (cerebral vessel rupture) types.
- Ischemic strokes constitute 75% of all cases, while hemorrhagic strokes are often linked to aneurysms or hypertension.
- Recognizing stroke signs such as unilateral weakness, facial drooping, vision changes, vertigo, sensory disturbances, and language difficulties is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the classifications, symptoms, and management strategies for stroke.
- To highlight the role of occupational health nurses in stroke prevention and management.
- To emphasize the importance of timely intervention for ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Review of stroke classifications (ischemic and hemorrhagic).
- Identification of common stroke signs and symptoms.
- Overview of diagnostic tests including CT scans, echocardiography, and ultrasonography.
- Discussion of management options, including thrombolytic agents for ischemic stroke.
Main Results:
- Ischemic stroke results from artery occlusion; hemorrhagic stroke from vessel rupture.
- Key symptoms include unilateral weakness, facial asymmetry, visual disturbances, and speech difficulties.
- Thrombolytic therapy is effective for ischemic stroke if administered within six hours.
- Occupational health nurses play a vital role in risk modification, acute intervention planning, and return-to-work facilitation.
Conclusions:
- Stroke management requires prompt diagnosis and intervention, with specific protocols for ischemic versus hemorrhagic types.
- Early treatment, especially with thrombolytics for ischemic stroke, significantly impacts outcomes.
- Occupational health nurses are integral to a comprehensive stroke care continuum, from prevention to rehabilitation and reintegration.
Abstract:
1. The two major classifications of stroke are ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes account for 75% of all strokes and result from the complete occlusion of an artery. Hemorrhagic strokes, often caused by aneurysm or hypertension, are caused by the rupture of a cerebral blood vessel and bleeding into the surrounding tissue. 2. The signs and symptoms of stroke may include unilateral weakness or paralysis, a sagging of one side of the face, double or blurred vision, vertigo, numbness or tingling, and language disturbances. 3. Management of ischemic stroke may include thrombolytic agents (e.g., heparin, warfarin) if the individual is treated within 6 hours after the onset of symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include, computed tomography scan, transesophageal echocardiagraphy, Doppler ultrasonography, and electrocordiography. 4. Occupational health nurses can be actively involved in helping workers modify their risks for stroke, developing and implementing an action plan if an individual is experiencing a stroke, and facilitating the individual's reentry into the worksite after rehabilitation is completed.