​Is There More Than One Type of Stroke?

Caregiver Northbrook IL - ​Is There More Than One Type of Stroke?

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability throughout the United States, and the fifth leading cause of death. Each year nearly 800,000 people suffer from strokes, with 1 in 4 of those experiencing a second or further subsequent stroke. As a family caregiver, these statistics underscore the importance of understanding stroke and its risks so that you can help your parent to avoid suffering such a medical emergency, or can cope with it as well as possible should they suffer a stroke during their later years. One question you might have is whether there is more than one type of stroke.  

Used as a blanket term, “stroke” actually applies to three conditions. Understanding the difference between these enables you as the caregiver to help your parent manage their condition in the way that is right for them.  
 
The three conditions referred to as “stroke” include: 

• Ischemic stroke. Accounting for approximately 87 percent of all cases of stroke, ischemic stroke occurs as a result of clots. When a clot forms it can obstruct a blood vessel, preventing blood flow from accessing the brain. 

• Hemorrhagic stroke. Encompassing two different types of weakened blood vessels, hemorrhagic stroke occurs as a result of a blood vessel rupturing. Arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms are the two types of weakened blood vessels that lead to these strokes. This happens most frequently as a result of high blood pressure that is not properly managed or controlled. 

• Transient ischemic attack. Also referred to as TIAs, transient ischemic attacks are sometimes known as “mini strokes”. These occur as a result of temporary clots. Considered warning strokes, these events are very serious and can be an indication of another, larger stroke coming soon. 
 
Starting caregiver services for your aging parent can be an exceptional way for you to help your parent achieve and maintain a higher quality of life as they age in place. A caregiver services provider can be with your aging loved one on a schedule that is right for your them, ensuring that they get all of the care, support, and assistance that they need while also making sure that you remain at the forefront of their care routine.

This means that they are able to give your loved one a personalized set of services tailored to their individual needs, challenges, and limitations to help them manage these in the way that is right for them while also encouraging them to maintain as much independence, activity, and engagement as possible.

​If your elderly parent is at increased risk of suffering a stroke or has recently experienced such a medical emergency, this care can be particularly beneficial. Through offering reminders to help your parent stay compliant with their medications, treatments, and guidelines, and helping them to make good lifestyle choices, this care can help your parent to remain healthier throughout their later years. In your role as their family caregiver, this can give you confidence and peace of mind that they are getting everything that they need both when you are able to be with them and when you are not.  
 
Sources:  https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm 
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/Impact-of-Stroke-Stroke-statistics_UCM_310728_Article.jsp#.WQY9RtLyu00 
http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/ 
http://www.stroke.org/stroke-resources/raise-awareness-stroke/national-stroke-awareness-month 
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/AmericanStrokeMonth/5ThingstoKnowAboutStroke/5-Things-to-Know-About-Stroke_UCM_463277_Article.jsp#.WQY9G9Lyu00  

If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Northbrook IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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