STROKE: SECONDARY PREVENTION

Course overview

Stroke is a life-threatening condition caused either by the rupture of an intracranial blood vessel (i.e., hemorrhagic stroke) or blockage by an embolus (i.e., ischemic stroke), which results in an alteration in the brain’s supply of blood, infarction, and a disruption of brain function. Because many patients who survive a first stroke experience a second stroke, early implementation of strategies that reduce the risk of a recurrent stroke (called secondary stroke prevention) is critical following patient recovery from the first stroke. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of secondary prevention of stroke, including risk factors and prevention strategies, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.