Stroke in Geriatric Patients (2022)-Stroke Fact Sheet 2022

Stroke Fact Sheet 2022

Pdf Summary

The document, provided by the American Association of Medical Assistants, offers an in-depth overview of stroke in geriatric patients, focusing on identification, management, risk factors, and treatment options. Stroke, often referred to as a "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is either blocked (ischemic stroke) or ruptured (hemorrhagic stroke), leading to brain cell death within minutes.<br /><br />Ischemic stroke, caused by blocked blood vessels often due to atherosclerosis, is the most prevalent type. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs due to ruptured or weakened blood vessels, causing brain tissue swelling and increased pressure within the skull.<br /><br />Non-modifiable risk factors for stroke include older age, male sex, race, family history, and prior cardiovascular incidents. Modifiable risk factors involve unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet, sedentary behavior, obesity, excessive alcohol or tobacco use, and psychological stress. Controllable medical conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.<br /><br />The mainstay treatment for ischemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which dissolves clots and must be administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of stroke onset. Mechanical thrombectomy is another option for patients with extensive blockages or those who do not respond to tPA. Rehabilitation starts as soon as patients are medically stable, typically within 24 to 48 hours post-stroke, and can continue for months or years.<br /><br />For secondary prevention, antiplatelet agents like aspirin prevent clot formation, while anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin and DOACs) are essential for patients with conditions such as atrial fibrillation.<br /><br />Prompt identification of stroke symptoms—sudden weakness, paralysis, speech difficulties, vision problems, dizziness, loss of coordination, or severe headaches—is crucial for better outcomes. Diagnostic tools include the NIH Stroke Scale, CT scans, and MRIs.<br /><br />Coding for stroke management uses CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS codes for accurate billing and documentation, ensuring proper healthcare delivery and compensation.

Keywords

stroke

geriatric patients

ischemic stroke

hemorrhagic stroke

risk factors

treatment options

tPA

mechanical thrombectomy

rehabilitation

secondary prevention