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Mohamed Reda: Stroke Management and Prevention

Mohamed Reda/LinkedIn

Oct 25, 2025, 07:26

Mohamed Reda: Stroke Management and Prevention

Mohamed Reda, Registered Nurse at Canadian Specialist Hospital, shared on LinkedIn:

”Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident – CVA)

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cells to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to reduce brain damage and improve outcomes.

Types of Stroke:

Ischemic Stroke (≈ 85%)
- Blocked artery
- Caused by a blood clot or plaque blocking blood flow to the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke (≈ 15%)
- Ruptured blood vessel
- Caused by bleeding into or around the brain (e.g., aneurysm, hypertension).
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Temporary blockage
- “Mini-stroke” — symptoms last < 24 hours, a warning sign of a full stroke.

Common Signs and Symptoms (Remember FAST):

F Face drooping
One side of the face droops or feels numb
A Arm weakness
Weakness or numbness in one arm or leg
S Speech difficulty
Slurred, confused, or absent speech
T Time to call emergency
Seek help immediately (within 3–4.5 hours for best results)

Other symptoms:

Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
Vision problems (blurred, double vision, loss of one eye’s vision)
Severe headache (especially in hemorrhagic stroke)
Loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking
Numbness or weakness on one side of the body

Diagnosis:

CT Scan – differentiates ischemic vs. hemorrhagic stroke
MRI of the brain – detailed brain imaging
Carotid Doppler ultrasound – checks blood flow in neck arteries
Blood tests – glucose, clotting time, cholesterol
ECG – to check for atrial fibrillation (source of emboli)

Treatment:

Ischemic Stroke

tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator) – dissolves clot (must be given within 3–4.5 hours)
Aspirin/Clopidogrel – antiplatelet drugs
Heparin / Warfarin – anticoagulants for embolic stroke
Mechanical thrombectomy – surgical removal of large clots (within 6–24 hours)

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Stop bleeding and reduce pressure:
Control blood pressure
Mannitol or hypertonic saline to reduce brain swelling
Surgery (clip aneurysm, remove clot)
Avoid anticoagulants

Nursing and Supportive Care:

Maintain airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs)
Monitor vital signs and neurological status
Head elevated 30°, midline position (to reduce ICP)
Check swallowing before giving food/water (prevent aspiration)
Assist with mobility and prevent contractures
Speech and physical therapy
Monitor for complications: aspiration pneumonia, DVT, pressure ulcers

Prevention:

Control hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol
Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Exercise regularly
Eat a balanced diet (low salt, low fat)
Take prescribed aspirin or statins if at high risk
Manage heart conditions (like atrial fibrillation).”

Mohamed Reda

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anticoagulants Antiplatelet Aspirin Carotid Doppler Ultrasound clopidogrel DVT Embolic Stroke Health Hematology Hemorrhagic Stroke Hemostasis Today Ischemic stroke Mechanical thrombectomy Medicine Mohamed Reda thrombosis Tissue Plasminogen Activator Transient Ischemic Attack

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