Stroke Education Program for Patients and Families
Stroke Education Program for WakeMed Rehab Patients and Families
For more information about WakeMed's team approach to stroke rehabilitation, basic explanations of therapies, and caregiver advice, please click here (Microsoft Power Point file).
Definition of a Stroke: A stroke is an injury caused by a change in the blood supply to the brain. Blood supplies a constant source of oxygen to the brain. Without oxygen, brain cells are damaged and will eventually die. The brain controls all of our body's functions therefore if the brain is damaged, our body's functions will be affected.
Types of Strokes
Ischemic Strokes: An ischemic stroke involves a blockage in a blood vessel. This can happen in two ways.
- The blockage can occur gradually as plaque builds up on the walls of the blood vessel.
- The blockage can occur suddenly when a clot is formed that prevents blood from flowing through. The clot may travel from other places in the body like the legs, for example.
Hemorrhagic Strokes: A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and there is bleeding of the brain.
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Risk Factors for CVA:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Carotid artery disease
- History of smoking
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Prior Stroke
- Illegal drug use (especially cocaine)
- Obesity
- Family history
- Race (AA are at higher risk)
- Gender (males are at higher risk)
- Age
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Stroke Prevention
- Stop smoking!
- Exercise regularly
- Improve eating habits
- Take medication as prescribed
- Reduce stress level
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular medical check-ups
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For more information about services offered through WakeMed Rehab, please call 919-350-7876
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