Patient Assessment Summary Sheet for Acute Myocardial Infarction Cases
1. Overview
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is a sudden neurological deficit characterized by focal rather than generalized symptoms, lasting more than 24 hours or resulting in death within 24 hours, excluding causes related to traumatic brain injury. There are two main types of acute stroke: ischemic stroke (cerebral infarction) and hemorrhagic stroke.
Acute ischemic stroke is more common, accounting for about 85% of all stroke cases. It occurs when a part of the brain is suddenly damaged due to an obstruction, interruption of cerebral blood vessels, or a reduction in blood flow to the brain. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to nourish the brain. When cerebral blood flow is deficient, brain cells stop functioning and die within minutes. Consequently, the body parts controlled by those affected brain regions stop functioning, leading to hemiparesis or hemiplegia, numbness or sensory loss on one side of the body, aphasia (inability to speak), or coma.
2. Causes
Cerebral blood vessels become obstructed, depriving the brain of blood and causing injury. There are three main causes:
Atherosclerosis: Plaque builds up inside the arterial walls, gradually narrowing the vessel lumen while promoting blood clot formation that blocks the vessel.
Cardioembolism: Heart conditions (such as atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, etc.) form blood clots in the heart, which then travel to the brain and become trapped, obstructing cerebral blood vessels.
Hypertension: Damages and blocks small blood vessels within the brain.
3. Risk Factors
Age: Older age increases stroke susceptibility.
Hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol).
Atherosclerosis.
Hypertension.
Valvular heart disease.
Diabetes mellitus.
Lifestyle habits: Alcohol consumption, smoking, etc.
Obesity, physical inactivity, etc.
4. Warning Signs
Facial drooping: Particularly noticeable when speaking or smiling.
Unilateral limb weakness: Suddenly dropping held items, inability to lift an arm, or sudden leg weakness that may lead to a fall.
Speech disturbances: Inability to speak or slurred speech.
If one or more of these symptoms appear suddenly in a seemingly healthy individual—whether active, working, or resting—stroke must be suspected immediately, and the patient should be brought to the hospital right away. Avoid folk remedies or traditional treatments that cause delays and waste the critical "golden hour."
5. Diagnosis
Emergency brain CT scan or brain MRI.
Bedside blood glucose testing.
Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Essential blood laboratory tests.
6. Treatment
Emergency Treatment: Patients arriving early within the first 3 to 6 hours, if meeting clinical criteria, will receive emergency treatment to restore blood flow to the blocked cerebral vessel. This is achieved by administering intravenous thrombolytic medication to dissolve the blood clot, using mechanical thrombectomy devices to retrieve the clot, or both. Successful intervention helps many patients achieve a dramatic recovery, though success is not guaranteed in 100% of cases.
Subsequent Treatments:
Antiplatelet therapy: Aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, cilostazol (if the stroke is non-cardioembolic).
Anticoagulant therapy: Prescribed if the stroke is caused by atrial fibrillation or certain other heart conditions.
Cholesterol-lowering medication (statins).
Oxygen therapy if indicated, blood pressure and blood glucose management, nutritional support, and physical therapy.
Decompressive craniectomy surgery for severe stroke cases threatening coma and death.
Surgical intervention or angioplasty if there is severe carotid artery stenosis (narrowing of the neck arteries supplying blood to the brain).
7. Complications
Acute ischemic stroke can lead to neurological deficits such as paralysis, reduced motor function (weakness, difficulty moving or coordinating movements), aphasia, visual disturbances, or psychological issues (depression, emotional lability), and even death.
Complications vary depending on the severity, location of the affected brain region, the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival, and available treatments. Delays in detection and emergency treatment result in more severe neural damage, graver consequences, prolonged recovery times, or even permanent disability.
8. Prevention and Nutrition
Lifestyle modifications and a healthy diet are essential:
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, ensure adequate sleep duration, and pay attention to sleep quality.
Avoid stimulants.
Undergo periodic health check-ups, adhere to treatment plans, and properly manage underlying medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc.).
Adopt a balanced diet tailored to your health status: limit oily, fatty, and high-sodium foods, sweets, and alcoholic beverages. Increase intake of dietary fiber, vegetables, fruits, white meat, whole grains, and legumes.
The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.