NURS_6501_Module5_Case Study Assignment week 8

The Neurological and Musculoskeletal Pathophysiologic Processes

Transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes known as a mini-stroke, is likely what the woman is experiencing based on her medical background and current symptoms. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a neurological disorder that seems to be a stroke (Puntillo et al., 2021). A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood arteries in the brain become obstructed, either by clots or other causes. Brain function will suffer if the brain is deprived of oxygen because of a blockage in the arteries. Having diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, being over the age of 60, being overweight, smoking, drinking excessively, or eating an unhealthy diet are all risk factors for a transient ischemic attack (Puntillo et al., 2021). Slurred speech, weakness, paralysis, numbness, abrupt disorientation, loss of balance, and visual issues are all possible signs of a transient ischemic attack. Similarities between this patient’s symptoms and those of a transient ischemic attack are present. When a TIA occurs, the symptoms often disappear within a few hours, unlike with a stroke. Indeed, this was the case with this particular patient. The patient was awake, moving all her limbs, and able to walk by the time anyone came to check on her. Carotid stenosis may be the underlying cause of the TIA. Carotid arteries function as highways, delivering blood and oxygen to the brain. Blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries reduces the quantity of blood reaching the brain, a condition known as carotid stenosis. The CT scan did show that the woman had some blockage in her carotid arteries. A diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia might be made based on the patient’s laboratory findings. Carotid stenosis risk increases with cholesterol levels that are too high.

Racial/Ethnic Variables

Indeed, one’s racial or cultural background might affect his or her likelihood of experiencing a stroke or TIA. Regarding race, African Americans are at the highest risk for stroke (Rhudy et al., 2019). Hypertension, diabetes, and blood cholesterol are all possible causes of stroke, and African Americans are disproportionately affected by these conditions. The prevalence of obesity and overweight is particularly high among African Americans.

How These Processes Interact

Carotid stenosis, which may have contributed to the TIA, can be caused by hypercholesterolemia. As time passes, cholesterol deposits itself onto the arterial walls. Plaque, a fatty and sticky material, forms in the arteries due to high cholesterol levels (Puntillo et al., 2021). This accumulation reduces blood flow to the brain by narrowing and thickening the arteries. Cigarette smoking, being overweight, eating poorly, and not getting enough exercise all increase the likelihood of developing hypercholesterolemia.

References

Puntillo, F., Giglio, M., Paladini, A., Perchiazzi, G., Viswanath, O., Urits, I., Sabbà, C., Varrassi, G., & Brienza, N. (2021). Pathophysiology of musculoskeletal pain: a narrative review. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, 13, 1759720X2199506. https://doi.org/10.1177/1759720×21995067

Rhudy, J. L., Lannon, E. W., Kuhn, B. L., Palit, S., Payne, M. F., Sturycz, C. A., Hellman, N., Güereca, Y. M., Toledo, T. A., Coleman, H. B., Thompson, K. A., Fisher, J. M., Herbig, S. P., Barnoski, K. B., Chee, L., & Shadlow, J. O. (2019). Sensory, Affective, and Catastrophizing Reactions to Multiple Stimulus Modalities: Results from the Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk. The Journal of Pain, 20(8), 965–979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2019.02.009