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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

Stay updated with Hemostasis Today.

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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