Stroke
Deana Slovjaková
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Learning objectives
̶ Student will learn main stroke causes.
̶ Student will learn how to recognize the symptoms of stroke based on an
abbreviation FAST.
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Introduction
• serious cardiovascular condition
• the second most common cause of death
• „time is brain“ – if stroke is suspected, call EMS very quickly
• longer the patient without any help, lower the chance of his recovery
Risk factors:
• hypertension
• atherosclerosis
• obesity and lipid metabolism disorders
• smoking and lack of exercise
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Definition
• poor blood flow to the brain results in its dysfunction and cell death
• brain cells are able to survive without oxygen supply for 3-5 min
• sudden change in behaviour or movement can occur
• according to damaged cerebral artery and area of the brain, we can see
different symptoms
Image source: http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/intracerebral-hemorrhage/
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Types of stroke
̶ 2 types:
hemorrhagic: low perfusion behind the hemorrhage from cerebral artery
(20%)
- intracerebral bleeding occurs
Image source: http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/intracerebral-hemorrhage/6
 ischemic: an obstruction of the cerebral artery due to thrombus
(80%)
Image source: https://www.medicinenet.com/11_signs_and_symptoms_of_stroke/article.htm
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Symptoms
• sudden onset of face and muscle weakness, dizziness, rapid headache (thunderclap headache), abnormal speech,...
• vomiting
• F (face)
• A (arms)
• S (speech)
• T (time)
(BE)FAST
• B balance (loss of balance, dizziness, headache)
• E eyes (blurred vision, anisocoria)
 CAVE: Stroke is not diagnosed JUST to elderly but more often also to young people!
Image source: https://www.medicinenet.com/11_signs_and_symptoms_of_stroke/article.htm
https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-question-bubble-image84941458
F - FACE
• face asymetry
• one side of the face is dropping
• crooked smile
• eyelid drop
Can the casualty smile symmetrically?
Image source: https://www.medicinenet.com/11_signs_and_symptoms_of_stroke/article.htm
https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-question-bubble-image84941459
A - ARMS
• arms asymetry
• muscle weakness (more on one side)
• arm drift
Can the casualty hold his arms in the same level after raising them with closed eyes?
Image source: https://www.medicinenet.com/11_signs_and_symptoms_of_stroke/article.htm
https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-question-bubble-image849414510
S - SPEECH
• speech disorder
• abnormal speech
• inability to say a whole sentence
• incomprehensible words
Can the casualty speak clearly without difficulties? (f.e. name or simple sentence)
Image source: https://www.medicinenet.com/11_signs_and_symptoms_of_stroke/article.htm11
T - TIME
• time is brain
• call an ambulance immidiately
• one positive symptom of acronym FAST
is enough to suspect stroke
• if you are not sure – call!
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First Aid
• SSS ABC
• sit the casualty down and calm him down while waiting for an ambulance
• monitor his vital signs (level of consciousness, airway, breathing, circulation)
• if the casualty is unconscious and not breathing normally start providing CPR
• do not give any fluids or food to the patient for the risk of aspiration
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Learning outcomes
̶ Student can recognize the main symptoms of stroke by following FAST
abbreviation.
̶ Student knows how to provide first aid in the conscious or unconscious
patient with stroke.
Zápatí prezentace14
Resources
1) Stroke - Symptoms and causes. In: Mayo Clinic [online] [cit. 22.08.2020].
Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-
20350113
2) CÉVNÍ MOZKOVÁ PŘÍHODA DETAILNĚ – FNUSA [online] [cit. 22.08.2020].
Available from: https://iweb3.fnusa.cz/o-nemocnici/cmp/cevni-mozkova-prihoda-detailne/
3) FA-CPR-AED-Part-Manual.pdf [online] [cit. 22.08.2020].
Available from: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PHSS_UX_Content/FA-CPR-
AED-Part-Manual.pdf
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Thank you for your attention.
Simulation Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University
2020