Medical
Stuff
The Stroke Association defines a stroke as what happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Below I have laid out the definitions of each as shown on their website
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There will be some medical terms you do not understand. Make sure you ask your doctors to clarify anything you're not sure of.
​I've included definitions of a few medical terms below. These are the ones that I've come across so far.
ISCHAEMIC - An ischaemic stroke is caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
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HEMORRHAGIC - A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
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TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK - A transient ischemic attack or TIA is also known as a mini-stroke. It is the same as a stroke, except that the symptoms only last for a short amount of time. This is because the blockage that stops the blood from getting to your brain is temporary.
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PROPRIOCEPTION - Proprioception is recognising the position and movement of our body. This includes equilibrium and balance, which alter your gait when walking.
ATAXIA - Ataxia usually results from damage to the cerebellum. This is the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination.
NG TUBE - a nasal gastric tube is a thin, soft tube that is passed through the nose, through the throat and down into the stomach. It delivers food and medication for those with difficulty eating or swallowing.
PEG TUBE - Peg stands for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, A procedure in which a flexible feeding tube is placed through the abdomen and into the stomach, bypassing the mouth and oesophagus. It allows fluids, nutrition and medicine to be passed directly into the stomach.
TRACHEOSTOMY - A tracheostomy is when the opening is created at the front of your neck so a tube can be inserted into your windpipe to help you breathe.
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VP SHUNT - VP stands for ventriculoperitoneal. A small, thin plastic tube drains excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain into the stomach. It is used to treat hydrocephalus.
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HYDROCEPHALUS - is when a buildup of CSF happens deep in the brain's ventricles and causes pressure on the brain.
NEUROPLASTICITY - is the brain learning to rewire new pathways following an injury
CAVERNOMA - is an abnormal blood vessel found in the brain or spinal cord.
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DYSPHAGIA - is the term used to describe patients who have difficulty swallowing.