PSYC FPX 3500 Assessment 3 Brain Injury Case Studies
Student Name
Capella University
PSYC FPX 3500 Learning and Cognition
Prof. Name
Date
PSYC FPX 3500 Assessment 3 Brain Injury Case Studies
Norma Lauderback’s sudden facial numbness, dizziness, loss of balance, and one-sided weakness are strongly consistent with the warning signs of an acute stroke. Her husband’s decision to call 911 immediately was appropriate because stroke is a medical emergency in which rapid assessment and treatment can reduce the risk of permanent brain damage. The CDC identifies sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body, along with other neurological changes, as important stroke warning signs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).
Case Study: Norma Lauderback
Norma Lauderback was at home with her husband, Floyd, when she suddenly dropped a plate while washing dishes. Floyd immediately noticed that something was wrong and approached her. Norma reported numbness in her face, and Floyd observed that she was having difficulty maintaining her balance. He helped her into a chair and called 911.
When Norma arrived at the hospital, the physician evaluated her symptoms, including dizziness, facial numbness, and unilateral weakness. The sudden onset and combination of these neurological symptoms are concerning for an acute cerebrovascular event, particularly a stroke.
Rapid medical evaluation is essential because different types of stroke require different treatments. Diagnostic testing, including neurological assessment and brain imaging, can help healthcare professionals determine whether the symptoms are caused by an ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or another neurological condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
Norma displayed several symptoms commonly associated with stroke. The CDC identifies sudden neurological changes as key warning signs that require immediate emergency attention (CDC, 2022).
Her symptoms included:
- Facial numbness or weakness
- One-sided weakness
- Dizziness and loss of balance
These symptoms occur when normal brain function is disrupted. In an ischemic stroke, a blood clot or other obstruction reduces blood flow to part of the brain. Without sufficient oxygen and nutrients, brain cells can become damaged or die. Depending on the affected area of the brain, a person may experience changes in movement, sensation, speech, memory, vision, or coordination.
Recognizing Stroke Using the FAST Acronym
The FAST acronym is a commonly used method for recognizing major stroke warning signs and responding quickly. The CDC uses FAST to help people identify symptoms and understand the importance of contacting emergency services (CDC, 2022).
Face
Ask the person to smile and observe whether one side of the face droops or feels weak. Norma reported facial numbness, making this an important warning sign in her case.
Arms
Ask the person to raise both arms. Weakness or numbness affecting one arm can indicate a possible stroke. Norma’s unilateral weakness is consistent with this warning sign.
Speech
Changes in speech, difficulty speaking, or difficulty understanding speech can occur during a stroke. Although speech difficulties were not specifically reported in Norma’s case, they should still be assessed during an emergency neurological evaluation.
Time
If any stroke warning signs appear suddenly, it is important to call emergency medical services immediately. Floyd’s decision to call 911 allowed Norma to receive emergency medical evaluation without unnecessary delay.
Evidence Supporting the Stroke Diagnosis
Research supports the association between symptoms such as facial changes, weakness, dizziness, and other neurological abnormalities and cerebrovascular disease. Colsch and Lindseth (2018) reviewed stroke symptoms in women and emphasized that women may experience a range of stroke presentations. This evidence is relevant to Norma because her symptoms include several recognized neurological warning signs.
Choi et al. (2018) also reported a case involving recurrent cerebral microbleeds accompanied by acute stroke-like symptoms. Although the patient’s specific condition differs from Norma’s presentation, the case demonstrates why neurological symptoms require careful diagnostic evaluation rather than relying exclusively on the initial clinical impression.
The available evidence therefore supports stroke as a significant clinical concern in Norma’s case, while diagnostic testing would be necessary to establish the specific type and cause of the event.
Research Methods Used in Supporting Studies
The studies used different approaches to investigate stroke-related symptoms and neurological conditions.
Colsch and Lindseth (2018) conducted a review examining stroke symptoms in women. Review-based research allows researchers to synthesize findings from existing literature and identify patterns in how stroke may present across patient populations.
Choi et al. (2018) presented a clinical case involving cerebral microbleeds and acute neurological symptoms. Case reports provide detailed information about an individual patient’s presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment course. Although a case report cannot establish that the same condition caused Norma’s symptoms, it can provide useful clinical context for understanding unusual or overlapping neurological presentations.
Treatment Options for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Treatment depends on the type of stroke, the patient’s clinical condition, diagnostic findings, and the time since symptoms began. For an eligible patient experiencing an acute ischemic stroke, intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) may be considered to dissolve the clot responsible for blocking blood flow to the brain.
Marko et al. (2022) examined functional outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Their findings contribute to the evidence supporting thrombolytic treatment as an important intervention for appropriately selected patients.
However, thrombolytic therapy is not appropriate for every stroke patient. Healthcare professionals must first determine whether the patient has an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and evaluate factors such as symptom onset, imaging findings, contraindications, and overall clinical status.
Importance of Early Stroke Treatment
Time is a critical factor in stroke care because prolonged interruption of blood flow can result in increasing brain injury. Early recognition allows emergency personnel and healthcare providers to begin assessment and treatment as quickly as possible.
In Norma’s case, Floyd recognized that her sudden symptoms were abnormal and contacted emergency services. This rapid response is particularly important because some treatments for acute ischemic stroke are time-sensitive.
Conclusion
Norma Lauderback’s sudden facial numbness, dizziness, impaired balance, and unilateral weakness are concerning for an acute stroke. These symptoms correspond with established stroke warning signs and demonstrate why sudden neurological changes should be treated as a medical emergency.
The FAST approach provides a practical way to recognize major stroke symptoms, while emergency evaluation and diagnostic imaging are necessary to determine the underlying cause. If an acute ischemic stroke is confirmed and the patient meets the appropriate clinical criteria, intravenous thrombolysis with r-tPA may be one treatment option. Evidence from stroke research further demonstrates the importance of rapid recognition, appropriate diagnosis, and timely intervention.
Overall, Norma’s case illustrates the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms early and activating emergency medical services without delay. Prompt assessment can help healthcare professionals determine the appropriate treatment and potentially improve functional outcomes.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, May 4). Signs and symptoms of stroke. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htm
Choi, P. K., Chung, J. Y., Lee, S. J., & Kang, H. G. (2018). Recurrent cerebral microbleeds with acute stroke symptoms: A case report. Medicine, 97(39), e12480. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000012480
PSYC FPX 3500 Assessment 3 Brain Injury Case Studies
Colsch, R., & Lindseth, G. (2018). Unique stroke symptoms in women: A review. The Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 50(6), 336–342. https://doi.org/10.1097/JNN.0000000000000402
Marko, M., Miksova, D., Gesundheit, Ö., Ebner, J., Lang, M., Serles, W., Sommer, P., Sykora, M., Lang, W., Knoflach, M., & Kiechl, S. (2022). Temporal trends of functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Stroke. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.038400