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Stroke Education

Experiencing a stroke can be frightening and complicated. Listed below are several resources that may assist you as you or your loved one go through your stroke journey.

Understand signs that mean you may be having a stroke so you can get the right medical attention fast and benefit from early intervention. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a stroke call 911 immediately and have an ambulance crew assess if you need to go to the nearest Stroke Centre.

Learn the signs of stroke

FACE - Is it drooping?
ARMS - Can you raise both?
SPEECH - Is it slurred or jumbled?
TIME - to call 9-1-1 right away.

Act FAST because the quicker you act, the more of the person you can save.

More information can be found at the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

The following is a list of educational videos for stroke patients and their caregivers. These and many more videos are available on Mackenzie Health's YouTube channel:

A stroke happens when there is a change or interruption in blood flow through the arteries of the brain. If there is an interruption of blood flowing to any part of the brain, that area of the brain will be at risk of damage. The longer the blood flow is stopped, the more damage can occur and the more permanent that damage may be. The effects of a stroke can look different depending on where the blood does not reach.

There are three major types of stroke:

1) Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)/ Minor Non-Disabling Stroke (MNDS)

TIA is a temporary blockage of an artery in the brain. Symptoms typically last from a few minutes to one hour. A TIA can be a warning sign that a more serious stroke is coming soon. More information on TIA can be found at Heart and Stroke Foundation.

2) Ischemic Stroke (clot)

Ischemic strokes are caused by a blood clot and/or build-up of plaque in an artery that blocks the blood flow in the brain. Clots can form in the brain or form elsewhere and then travel to the brain. 80 per cent of strokes are ischemic.

Potential immediate (hyper acute) treatments for ischemic stroke

  • Tenecteplase (tNK)
    tNK is a clot-breaking drug that can be administered as soon as possible and within 4.5 hours after the symptoms of a stroke first start. A doctor with experience in stroke care will make the decision around whether or not tNK is a good treatment for the person who is experiencing the stroke.
  • Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT)
    EVT is a procedure where an experienced doctor inserts a tube into an artery in the inner thigh. The tube is guided up to the brain using special imaging and then a device is used to remove the clot from the brain to try to repair the blood flow. This procedure is done at a specialized centre  - most patients in York Region receive this procedure at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. EVT affects patients within six hours from the start of their symptoms and, in some cases, may be effective for up to 24 hours.

3) Hemorrhagic Stroke (bleed)

Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by a broken artery in the brain causing blood to "leak" out of the arterial system and into the brain tissue. A major cause of hemorrhagic strokes is high blood pressure. Doctors will discuss the best treatment course with the patient and family. The best treatment will depend on the time symptoms started, the severity of the bleed and the area of the brain that is affected.

More information

Being in the hospital after suffering a stroke can be a difficult time for a patient and their family. These resources can help you understand what is going on with your care and prepare for the next stage of your stroke journey.

Rehabilitation after a stroke helps you to regain any functions that may have been affected and prepare to resume life at home and in the community. You may start your rehabilitation at Mackenzie Health or elsewhere and then continue in the community near your home. Here are some resources to help you with your rehabilitation needs:

General information

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Additional Community Rehabilitation Programs

A stroke can leave you with changes in the way you move and carry out day-to-day functions. Like other chronic health conditions, recovery from stroke requires ongoing management to live optimally and prevent further disease. It's important to find and use community resources to help you live well after a stroke and to prevent having another.

Being a caregiver is a big responsibility and you need to make sure you are cared for as well. Resources for patients may also be meaningful for caregivers as they navigate a new role in their life.

This section offers resources to help you and your family manage and support residual impairments after experiencing a stroke. This section also offers resources that can steer you in the right direction.

General

Assistive Devices

Medications

Return to Work

Self-Management Education / Workshops

Risk Factor Identification and Management

Transportation

Community Support Groups

Moving

At least 80 per cent of strokes are preventable with lifestyle and risk management. If you are at risk of a stroke or a repeat stroke, these resources can help you.

General

Mackenzie Health

Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital

TIA/ Stroke/ Neurology (TSN) Clinic
A-Wing, Level 1, room 100
10 Trench Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4Z3
Local to Richmond Hill: 905- 883-1212 ext. 7721
Local to Vaughan: 905-832-4554 ext. 7721
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