• About us
    • About Saint-Bernard Academy
      • Who are we?
      • Vision, mission and values
      • 10 reasons to choose us
      • Our Guidelines
    • About our courses
      • Why should you take a CPR course?
      • How does our courses work?
      • What is e-learning?
        • Studies on e-learning
      • CPR History
      • OSHA history
  • Our Courses
    • Health care provider
    • Individuals
    • Adapted to early childhood
    • Group Purchases
    • Courses comparative table
    • Prices
    • My cart
  • Mobile app
  • Help Center
  • Lexicon
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Français
    • Buy
    • Français

    Any questions? Call us  1 866 691-0911    Write us : info@academiesb.com

    Saint-Bernard AcademySaint-Bernard Academy
    • About us
      • About Saint-Bernard Academy
        • Who are we?
        • Vision, mission and values
        • 10 reasons to choose us
        • Our Guidelines
      • About our courses
        • Why should you take a CPR course?
        • How does our courses work?
        • What is e-learning?
          • Studies on e-learning
        • CPR History
        • OSHA history
    • Our Courses
      • Health care provider
      • Individuals
      • Adapted to early childhood
      • Group Purchases
      • Courses comparative table
      • Prices
      • My cart
    • Mobile app
    • Help Center
    • Lexicon
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Français
      • Buy

    Blog

    • Home
    • Blog
    • Blog
    • What do you know about stroke?

    What do you know about stroke?

    • Categories Blog
    • Date 14 June 2022
    Stroke

    Did you know that June is Stroke Awareness Month?

    The month of June is dedicated to stroke awareness. It is an opportunity to make as many people as possible aware of the dangers of this serious condition and the importance of prompt intervention when it occurs. (Hayward, 2017) Did you know that, according to the Montreal Neurological Hospital Institute, in Canada, a stroke occurs every 10 minutes? Of these, approximately 14,000 Canadians die each year, making it the third leading cause of death among Canadians. (Hayward, 2017)

    Laurie Levesque, june 2022

    What exactly is a stroke?

    A stroke is a sudden neurological deficit of vascular origin caused by an infarction or hemorrhage in the brain. This stops the flow of blood to the brain. The term “stroke” emphasizes the sudden or abrupt nature of the symptoms.

    Blood flow in the brain is essential because…

    The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Interrupting this supply can cause some cells to die. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.) In turn, cell death can lead to lasting brain damage, long-term disability, and even death. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022) 

    Is there a difference between stroke and heart attack?

    Absolutely! Stroke and heart attack are two very different conditions because they do not affect the same organ. Stroke is caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. A myocardial infarction (heart attack) is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries that prevents enough oxygen from reaching the heart (Brunet, n.d.)

    Stroke
    Credit © [jajam_e] / Adobe Stock

    Is there more than one type of stroke?

    Yes, there are three types of stroke.

    Stroke
    Credit © [GraphicsRF] / Adobe Stock

    Ischemic stroke

    The term Ischemia refers to an interruption of blood flow to an organ (OQLF, 1999). Stroke is considered ischemic when it is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. This is the most common type of stroke. (Heart and Stroke Foundation, n.d.(a))

    Stroke
    Credit © [GraphicsRF] / Adobe Stock

    Hemorrhagic stroke

    The term Hemorrhage refers to a flow of blood out of the blood vessels.(OQLF, 2019) A stroke is therefore described as hemorrhagic when it is caused by a rupture of an artery in the brain.(Heart and Stroke Foundation, n.d.(a))

    The “Mini-stroke”

    In the literal sense, a mini-stroke is not a stroke. Rather, it is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). TIA is an impairment of brain function due to a temporary interruption of blood supply to the brain that usually lasts less than an hour. (Chong, 2020) The causes and symptoms of TIA and ischemic stroke are identical. However, unlike stroke, TIA does not appear to cause permanent brain damage. In fact, the symptoms of TIA disappear completely and quickly, and very few, if any, brain cells die. In other words, the clot blocks the artery for less than an hour and the circulation eventually returns on its own without the need for medical intervention. However, it should not be underestimated or ignored. TIA can be a warning sign of an impending ischemic stroke. Recognizing a TIA, identifying the cause, and treating it can help prevent a stroke. (Chong, 2020)

    What happens in the event of a stroke?

    The symptoms

    The main signs and symptoms of a stroke or TIA are the same for men and women. To identify them, look for one or more of the following signs:

    Face – Is it drooping? Is there a deformity of the mouth?

    Arms – Can the victim raise both arms at the same time? 

    Speech Impairment – Does the victim have slurred speech or difficulty with pronunciation?

    Time to call 9-1-1 – Call for emergency services right away 

    (Source : Fondation des maladies du cœur et de l’AVC, 2021) 

    Stroke

    Although the FAST signs are the most common, they are not the only ones. The following signs are less common, but can also be precursors to a stroke or TIA:

    • Headaches that are sudden, intense and have no apparent cause. They look like sudden migraines and are accompanied by other symptoms.
    • Numbness or weakness usually located on one side of the body, but may also be located only in the face or leg.
    • Vision problems that result in double or blurred vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
    • Dizziness that causes sudden difficulty walking, loss of balance or lack of coordination.

    (Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2021)

    In case of symptoms

    1. Stop all activity, loosen clothing and place victim in a comfortable position. 
    2. Cover with a warm blanket or foil. 
    3. Call 9-1-1 immediately
    4. Reassess vital signs regularly. 

    Whether the symptoms are persistent (stroke) or disappear quickly (TIA), it is essential to follow the same procedure.  

    The treatment

    Stroke treatment begins when pre-hospital emergency services arrive at the home. Upon arrival at the hospital, the medical team has three goals: 

    • Stabilize your condition (breathing, heart function, blood pressure, bleeding, etc.) 
    • Make a diagnosis (TIA, ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke) 
    • Implement treatment according to the type of stroke. 

    (Heart and Stroke Foundation, n.d.(c))

    For ischemic stroke:

    If the victim goes to the hospital within three hours of the first symptoms, he or she may get a type of medication called a thrombolytic, which breaks up clots. Those who receive this medication are more likely to make a full recovery from the stroke and are also less likely to need long-term care.

    If the victim goes to the hospital after three hours, professionals may administer other medications, such as blood thinners, or perform surgery to remove the clot.

    (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022) 

    For hemorrhagic stroke:

    Several treatments to stop the bleeding and save brain tissue may be given, including medications, surgery or other procedures such as: 

    • Endovascular procedures: these can help repair a weak spot or break in a blood vessel. 
    • Surgical treatment: If the bleeding is caused by a ruptured aneurysm, a metal clip may be placed to stop the blood loss.

    (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022) 

    The recovery

    According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the effects of a stroke can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person.

    The severity depends on factors such as: 

    – The type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic);
    – The hemisphere of the brain in which the stroke occurred (left or right);
    – The areas of the brain that were affected by the stroke;
    – The extent of the damaged area of the brain;
    – The functions of the body that are controlled by that area;
    – How long the blood flow to the affected part of the brain was interrupted.
    (Heart and Stroke Foundation, n.d.(a))

    What are the risk factors?

    Connaître ces facteurs de risques entourant l’AVC est essentiel, car cela permet de faire certains choix dans ses habitudes de vie qui aideront à les réduire. Certains de ces facteurs de risques sont malheureusement incontrôlables. Cependant, les connaître permet d’être conscient de son propre risque et d’être plus attentifs à sa santé et de surveiller les signes avant-coureurs.

    Lifestyle habits

    Stroke
    Credit © [PhotoIris2021] / Adobe Stock
    • Unhealthy diet 
    • Lack of exercise
    • Unhealthy weight
    • Smoking 
    • The stressful pace of life
    • Alcohol and recreational drug use  

    Health problems

    Stroke
    • High blood pressure 
    • High cholesterol 
    • Diabetes
    • Vascular fibrillation 
    • Vascular cognitive impairment
    • Mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression

    Uncontrollable factors  

    Stroke
    Credit © [sawitreelyaon] / Adobe Stock
    • Sex: Because of their distinct cardiovascular physiology and the multiple hormonal changes they experience over the course of their lives, some risks are specific to women. For example, the risk increases after menopause.
    • Age: The risk increases with age.
    • Family and medical history
    • First Nations heritage: Unfortunately, “First Nations, Inuit and Metis people have higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes.” (Heart and Stroke Foundation, n.d.(b))
    • African and South Asian heritage: Like people of First Nations heritage, people of African and South Asian heritage are at higher risk for high blood pressure and diabetes.

    Factors specific to pregnancy 

    Stroke
    Credit © [annanahabed] / Adobe Stock

    Pregnancy and stroke may be indirectly related due to stress, weight gain, and hormonal changes that can in turn cause problems that increase the risk of stroke, such as:

    • High blood pressure
    • Pre-eclampsia
    • Le diabète gestationnel 

    Adopting good habits to put all the chances on your side

    No one is immune to stroke at any age. However, there are some things you can do to help reduce your chances. Actions such as watching your diet, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco and staying active are not recommended to keep you from getting bored. Taking care of your body and mind by adopting healthy habits can make all the difference. 

    Sources

    • Brunet. N.d. “Heart disease and stroke”. https://www.brunet.ca/en/health/health-tips/heart-disease-and-stroke/ [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. “About Stroke”. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Chong, J. 2020. “Accidents ischémiques transitoires (AIT)”. Le manuel Merk. https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/accueil/troubles-du-cerveau,-de-la-moelle-épinière-et-des-nerfs/accident-vasculaire-cérébral-avc/accidents-ischémiques-transitoires-ait (only available in French) [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Heart&Stroke Foundation. 2021. “FAST Signs of Stroke…what are the other signs?”. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke/signs-of-stroke/fast-signs-of-stroke-are-there-other-signs? [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Heart&Stroke Foundation. N.d. (a). “Types of Stroke”. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke/what-is-stroke/types-of-stroke? [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Heart&Stroke Foundation. N.d. (b). “Risk and Prevention. https://www.coeuretavc.ca/avc/risk-and-prevention [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Heart&Stroke Foundation. N.d. (c). “Treatments”. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke/treatments [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Hayward, S. 2017. “June is Stroke Month”. The Neuro. https://www.mcgill.ca/neuro/channels/news/june-stroke-month-268466 [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Johns Hopkins Medicine. S.d. « Health : Stroke ». https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Office québécoise de la langue française (OQLF). 1999. « Ischémie »[Grand dictionnaire terminologique]. Gouvernement du Québec. https://gdt.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/ficheOqlf.aspx?Id_Fiche=8374325 (only available in French) [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]
    • Office québécoise de la langue française (OQLF). 2019. « Hémorragie »[Grand dictionnaire terminologique]. Gouvernement du Québec. https://gdt.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/ficheOqlf.aspx?Id_Fiche=17028499&terme=h%u00e9morragie (only available in French) [Last consulted on 10/06/2022]

    Article written by Laurie Levesque, content creator for the Saint-Bernard Academy.
    Edited and formatted by Emilie Bedard, Communications Manager.

    Émilie Bédard
    Émilie Bédard
    Responsable des communications - L’Académie Saint-Bernard est formée de praticiens provenant des professions ambulancières-paramédicales et infirmières. Nous sommes avant tout des passionnés issus ¨du terrain¨ cumulant de l’expérience dans le milieu de l’urgence depuis plus de 10 ans.

    Previous post

    Adjustment of the validation period for certain certifications
    14 June 2022

    You may also like

    certifications
    Adjustment of the validation period for certain certifications
    17 May, 2022
    Ticks
    A very subtle little bug: the tick!
    17 May, 2022
    Women (article)
    Women’s heart health
    14 February, 2022
    sidebar-saint-bernard-logo

    Search

    Categories

    • Blog
    • Uncategorized

    Lasted Posts

    Stroke
    What do you know about stroke?
    14Jun2022
    certifications
    Adjustment of the validation period for certain certifications
    17May2022
    Ticks
    A very subtle little bug: the tick!
    17May2022

     

    The Saint-Bernard Academy is dedicated to helping you gain knowledge that will make all the difference!As soon as you register for one of our courses, you can begin your apprenticeship in order to obtain a recognized certification. nationally and of high quality. Our team of health professionals, working in the field of emergency for over 10 years, has developed simple and accurate training to acquire all the necessary tools to ensure you are ready to to intervene in case of emergency.

    NAVIGATION

    • Home
    • About us
    • Our Courses
    • Prices
    • FAQ
    • Lexicon
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • The Guidelines
    • Bibliography
    • Legislation
    • Privacy Policy
    • Refund Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Français

    CONTACT US

    Phone

    1 866 691-0911

    Email

    info@academiesb.com

    FOLLOW US

    © Saint-Bernard Academy – All rights reserved   |   Credits : SQU4D

    Académie St-Bernard
    Our Courses
    CPR/AED – Health care provider (5h)
    CPR/AED – Health care provider (5h) 74.54$
    CPR/AED – General public (4h)
    CPR/AED – General public (4h) 64.54$
    First aid – Adapted to early childhood (8h)
    First aid – Adapted to early childhood (8h) 74.54$ 49.54$
    First aid – Day camp (8h)
    First aid – Day camp (8h) 69.54$ 49.54$

    Login with your site account

    Lost your password?

    Not a member yet? Register now

    Register a new account

    Are you a member? Login now