Stroke is medically termed a cerebrovascular accident that persists for at least 24 hours (Aminoff, Greenberg & Simon 2005).
A stroke occurs due to a disruption of the blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain, due to a blockage (blood clot or bleed). The corresponding area in the brain that the blood vessel transports the oxygen and nutrients to is subsequently affected. This can lead to death or impairment in any or all bodily functions including vision, movement of body parts, communication, planning and swallowing (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2006).
Symptoms and characteristics
There are two major stroke subtypes, namely haemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a lack of blood flow causes damage to localised parts of the brain and an ischemic stroke is the result of abnormal bleeding in the brain (MDA Internet 2005).
People who have a haemorrhagic stroke may experience:
- changes to their alertness, nausea, vomiting or loss of balance
- sudden lapse into unconsciousness (coma)
- sudden or severe headache.
People who have an ischemic stroke may experience all of the above symptoms, however the symptoms develop more gradually (minutes to hours).
Statistics
Stroke is Australia’s second single greatest killer, resulting in 8746 deaths, or 6.6 per cent of all deaths in 2004.
Each year it is estimated that 40 000 to 48 000 Australia’s have a stroke and that ischemic strokes account for 80 per cent of all strokes.
A National Health Survey in 2001, showed that around 217 500 Australians had a stroke sometime in their life (Heart Foundation 2004).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
In the workplace, a person who has experienced a stroke may need to work in a quiet environment to assist with concentration. This is especially useful if the stroke has affected the person's cognitive abilities (MDA Internet 2005).
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Aminoff, M.J., Greenberg, D.A, Simon, R.P 2005, Clinical Neurology, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Columbus, viewed 2 May 2007, <http://www.accessmedicine.com> (secure site).
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2006, Stroke, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra, viewed 2 May 2007, <http://www.aihw.gov.au/cvd/majordiseases/stroke.cfm>.
Heart Foundation 2004, Heart, Stroke and Vascular Diseases: Australian Facts 2004, National Heart Foundation Australia, Canberra, viewed 2 May 2007, <http://www.heartfoundation.com.au/downloads/AIHW_HSVD_04_FINAL.pdf>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 2 May 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.