Stroke and TIA Awareness

Jason T
Jun 10
4 min read

Stroke versus Transient Ischemic Attack, do you know the difference?

Recognizing the Signs: Stroke and TIA Awareness for Nursing Students

June – Migraine, Headache, Stroke, and Brain Injury Awareness Month

Strokes and Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are medical emergencies that demand swift recognition and response. As future healthcare professionals, nursing students play a critical role in early detection and intervention.

Understanding the types, causes, effects, and emergency procedures can save lives—and brains.

🧠 What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.

There are two primary types:

1. Ischemic Stroke (87% of cases)

Caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel. Can be due to:

Thrombosis: clot forms in a cerebral artery.
Embolism: clot travels from another part of the body (often the heart).

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke

Caused by bleeding in or around the brain, often due to:

Aneurysms
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Uncontrolled high blood pressure

🕒 What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms mimic those of a stroke but resolve within 24 hours (usually much sooner).Though not permanently damaging, TIAs are serious warning signs—1 in 3 people who have a TIA will go on to have a full stroke, often within a year.

⚠️ Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms

For both strokes and TIAs, early recognition is vital. Remember the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T.:

B – Balance: Sudden loss of coordination or dizziness
E – Eyes: Sudden vision trouble in one or both eyes
F – Face: Drooping on one side of the face
A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
S – Speech: Slurred or garbled speech
T – Time: Time to call 911—every second counts

Note for Nursing Students: Any one of these symptoms—even if temporary—should be treated as a medical emergency.

Heart & Stroke Foundation - Learn the signs of stroke F.A.S.T.

🔍 Causes and Risk Factors

Common Causes:

High blood pressure (primary cause)
Atherosclerosis
Atrial fibrillation
Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption

Risk Factors:

Age (especially 55+)
Family history
Sedentary lifestyle
Poor diet
Hormonal contraceptives (in combination with smoking)

📊 Stroke and TIA Statistics

Every 5 minutes, someone in Canada has a stroke.
Approximately 62,000 strokes occur in Canada each year.
1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another stroke within 5 years.
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Canada.
TIAs precede about 12% of all strokes.
Time to treatment is directly related to survival and recovery.

🧩 Potential Long-Term Effects

Depending on the location and extent of brain damage, survivors may face:

Paralysis or motor impairments (usually one side)
Speech and language difficulties (aphasia)
Memory loss
Emotional disturbances or depression
Vision problems
Chronic pain or headaches
Cognitive impairments
Fatigue

🩺 Immediate Nursing Actions During a Suspected Stroke or TIA

1. Call for Emergency Help Immediately (911)

Document the time of symptom onset—this is critical for thrombolytic (tPA) eligibility.

2. Monitor and Record Vitals

Track consciousness, BP, HR, O2 saturation, and blood glucose.

3. Keep the Patient Safe

Protect airway.
Place on side if vomiting or unconscious.
Remove hazards if seizing.

4. Do Not Offer Food or Drink

Risk of aspiration if facial muscles are impaired.

5. Provide Reassurance

Calm the patient to reduce anxiety and blood pressure spikes.

6. Prepare for Immediate Transport

Pre-notify the receiving hospital if in an ambulance or healthcare setting.

Nurse assisting patient post Stroke or TIA.

📚 Clinical Pearls for Nursing Students

TIAs are not harmless—document and refer immediately.
Stroke mimics exist (e.g., hypoglycemia, seizures, migraines)—but always err on the side of emergency stroke response.
Early rehab starts in the acute care setting—observe and report progress or deficits daily.

💡 Final Thoughts

June’s focus on neurological emergencies reminds us that stroke awareness saves lives. As a nursing student, your vigilance, knowledge, and rapid action can make the difference between recovery and disability—or life and death.

Stay sharp. Think FAST. Be the calm in the storm.

Want to Learn More? Take a Basic Life Support (BLS) or Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED course to learn how to identify and respond to medical emergencies like stroke or head injury. It could save a life—maybe even your own.

>> View Upcoming Courses [www.savinggracemedical.com]

“This material is for informational purposes only and is based on guidelines from The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. This content does not replace professional medical advice or official safety training. Consult your physician or safety training facility for further guidance.”