Symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

African Americans are most likely to suffer because of diseases such as Sickle cell anemia, Hypertension, and the location of clogged arteries, all of which increase the chances of sustaining a stroke.

Women

https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/risk-factors/index.html

https://ourworldindata.org/life-expectancy#all-charts

This primarily focuses on Cardiac abnormalities such as clotting and hypertension.

"The psychological effects of stroke such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are associated with decreased quality of life in many domains, which often impact interpersonal relationships and participation in the community. PSD is also associated with increased risk of stroke recurrence and mortality."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7911065/

Aspiration is a common problem for people with dysphagia. It occurs when something you’ve swallowed enters the airway and lungs.

While stats are limited few insurance plans offer extensive coverage for Physical Therapy

Out of pocket PT is too expensive for many patients due to insurance negotiated rates

Rates Range from $150-$400

Patients that do not receive physical therapy are more likely to suffer from permanent decrease of motor functions

Many insurances offer limited coverage for these treatments but longer term care is limited in many plans

Patients paying out of pocket face significant financial strain

Sessions Range From: $100-$200

Medications Can Cost Up to Hundreds for some patients

Patients that go untreated can develop more serious issues and have a higher likelihood of suicide

CBT is about $125/session, if not covered by insurance.

Long term consequences of avoiding CBT is increased severity of symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.

• Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.

• Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.

• Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.

American Psychological Association

Why use this intervention:

Psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety can manifest after the trauma of a stroke and as a result of major life changes like physical limitations, isolation, and other impairments that follow a stroke.

Who can administer the treatment:

Licensed mental health professionals such as therapists, psychologists or psychiatrists.

Psychiatry is used to treat long term psychological and behavioral problems facing stroke survivors such as depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis.

Psychiatric Treatment may only be provided by licensed psychiatrists with MDs.

Long-term Effect of Condition: Without intervention asymmetrical function of limbs would persist and an increased risk of muscular atrophy in weaker limbs.

Professional:

• Occupational therapists: May work with families to choose the best CIMT protocol and provide weekly home program suggestions 

• Neurological physiotherapists: May specialize in CIMT and provide evidence-based treatment

This therapy helps restore loss of motor function, both fine and gross.

This treatment is administered by an Occupational Therapist

Some issues people may encounter when trying to improve their diet is money. Processed foods are more accessible in terms of convenience and price. Another issue that may arise is support system. Stroke victims might not have mobility or cognitive ability to cook a nutritious meal three times a day.

A Certified Nutritionist can help give insigtful information on modifications you can make to your diet, taking into account complicating factors. Additionally, a lot of nutritionists can help you come up with low maintenance ideas for healthy meals.

• Improved overall stroke recovery

• Improved physical function (mobility, walking, balance)

• Improved mental function (mood, depression)

• Reduced risk of stroke recurrence

• Reduced risk of heart-related conditions (for example, by reducing blood pressure, obesity)

• Reduced risk of falls

https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/recovery/exercise

Barriers:

• limited mobility

• depression, causing a lack of motivation

• lack of education on what movement can be incorporated into daily life

Professionals

Physical Therapists can create a treatment plan, do an assessment, create goals, and implement goal relevant exercises and treatments

This is primarily an individual decision on part of the patient, but for those with addiction seeking treatment options are available. This includes professional counseling, group programs, and many alternatives. There are many types of professionals which may be involved in care but physicians and therapists play prominent roles.

Reasons:

• Social determinants of health like economic and job stability, stable housing, pollution, neighborhood safety, access to transportation, systemic racism

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• High Blood Pressure

• High Cholesterol

These individuals often suffer from decreased mobility and are less likely to drive making care less accessible.

George MG, Fischer L, Koroshetz W, et al. CDC Grand Rounds: Public Health Strategies to Prevent and Treat Strokes. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017;66:479–481. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6618a5