A 56-year-old patient is in bed and unable to speak. Family members state that he had a stroke in the past and has been bedridden since then, but has always been able to talk, until a few hours ago when his speech became garbled. They also state that the last stroke left him paralyzed on his left side. Your assessment reveals that the patient is unable to speak, but has an open airway, adequate respirations, and a strong radial pulse. Additionally, you note that he is unable to move his right arm. Vital signs are within normal limits. What would be an appropriate step in the care on this patient?

A headache with altered mental status (AMS) can be a sign of infection, bleeding, or a tumor. Vomiting without diarrhea can indicate increased brain pressure. Dehydration can also cause AMS.  Some causes of AMS include: Brain bleed, Brain tumor, Hepatic encephalopathy, Obstructive hydrocephalus, Seizure, and Stroke.  A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.  There are two main types of... Show more

A headache with altered mental status (AMS) can be a sign of infection, bleeding, or a tumor. Vomiting without diarrhea can indicate increased brain pressure. Dehydration can also cause AMS. 

Some causes of AMS include: Brain bleed, Brain tumor, Hepatic encephalopathy, Obstructive hydrocephalus, Seizure, and Stroke. 

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. 

There are two main types of stroke:
Ischemic: Caused by a lack of blood flow
Hemorrhagic: Caused by bleeding 

Some people may have a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA doesn't cause lasting symptoms. 

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