STROKES: Clinical, Psychosocial and Rehab Issues Revisited - PART 1 6 CE hours TAKE THIS COURSE NOW !

OBJECTIVES

1. Discuss
a. stroke risk factors
b. causes of stroke including the signs/symptoms of stroke
c. stroke treatments (medications and surgical interventions)
d. what research is currently being done

2. Describe the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of depression in the stroke patient.

3. Describe:
a. Post-stroke rehabilitation
b. Potential disabilities that can result from a stroke
c. what is NEW in stroke rehabilitation

OUTLINE

ARTICLE #1: Stroke: Hope Through Research

Introduction
What is Stroke?

• Ischemic Stroke
• Hemorrhagic Stroke

• Imaging for the Diagnosis of Acute Stroke

• Unmodifiable Risk Factors
• The "Stroke Belt"
• Other Risk Factors
  • Hypertension
  • Heart Disease
  • Blood Cholesterol Levels
  • Diabetes
• Modifiable Lifestyle Risk Factors
• Head and Neck Injuries
• Infections
• Genetic Risk Factors

• Medications
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation Therapy

• Clinical Trials

NINDS-Sponsored Stroke Clinical Trials: April 2004
Findings From Recently Completed Clinical Trials
Ongoing Clinical Trials
Where can I get more information?
Glossary
Appendix

ARTICLE #2: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid create new reimbursement category for stroke patients

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has created a new diagnostic code to reimburse hospitals at a higher rate for acute ischemic stroke patients treated with a thrombolytic agent or a clot-busting drug. An ischemic stroke is typically caused by a blood clot.

The reimbursement is important because treating patients with a clot-busting drug is more expensive due to increased patient monitoring, personnel, and laboratory and pharmacy costs. Also, hospitals must have the appropriate infrastructure to support safe and effective administration of clot busters.