Stroke is medically termed a cerebrovascular accident that persists for at least 24 hours.
A stroke occurs due to a disruption of the blood within a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain, due to either a blockage such as a blood clot or the blood vessel rupturing causing a bleed. The corresponding area in the brain that the blood vessel transports the oxygen and nutrients to is subsequently affected. This can lead to death or impairment in any or all bodily functions including vision, movement of body parts, communication, planning and swallowing.
Symptoms and characteristics:
There are two major stroke subtypes, namely haemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when a lack of blood flow causes damage to localised parts of the brain and a haemorrhagic stroke is the result of abnormal bleeding in the brain. For both types however, the following symptoms are common:
- reduced strength and possibly paralysis down one side of the body including the face
- altered sensation or feeling down one side of the body including the face
- difficulty speaking or difficulty finding the words you are wanting to use
- changes in balance
- vision changes.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or ‘mini’ strokes are a result of a temporary reduction in the blood supply to a part of the brain.
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
The effects of a stroke on an individual’s level of functioning and their capacity to return to work is dependent on multiple factors such as; the location in the brain in which the stroke occurred, the extent of brain damage, any long term changes to a person's mobility, speech or capacity to independently undertake self care activities. It is recommended a workplace assessment is undertaken by an Occupational Therapist to identify and determine the capacity to overcome any barriers that exist in the workplace:
Generally in the workplace there are factors that would assist people following a stroke to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:
- if a person requires a mobility aid such as a walker or wheelchair, consideration needs to be given to accessibility of the office including entranceways, doors, bathroom and kitchen facilities and the capacity to reach and use office equipment
- if paralysis or vision impairment has occurred on one side of the body, adaptive technology may be required to assist with data entry tasks, or a headset to enable use of a phone without having to hold the handset
- if speech is affected, consideration of effective communication strategies such as the use of email or instant messaging, communication boards, texting on mobile phones or writing.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work-related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
(Aminoff, Greenberg & Simon 2005; Heart Foundation 2008; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2007; MDA Internet 2007; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (no date specified))
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Aminoff, M.J., Greenberg, D.A, Simon, R.P 2005, Clinical Neurology, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Columbus, viewed 2 May 2007, <http://www.accessmedicine.com> (secure site).
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (no date specified), Stroke, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 30 January 2009, <http://www.aihw.gov.au/cvd/stroke.cfm>.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2007, Chronic diseases, Australian Government, Canberra, viewed 30 January 2009, <http://www.aihw.gov.au/cdarf/diseases_pages/index.cfm>.
Heart Foundation 2008, Stroke Causes, National Heart Foundation Australia, Canberra, viewed 30 January 2009, <http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Heart_Information/Heart_Conditions/Stroke/Causes_of_Stroke/Pages/default.aspx>.
Heart Foundation 2008, Stroke Symptoms, National Heart Foundation Australia, Canberra, viewed 30 January 2009, <http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Heart_Information/Heart_Conditions/Stroke/Diagnosis_of_Stroke/Pages/default.aspx >.
MDA Internet 2007, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 30 January 2009, http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site).