Stroke Assessment Certification

The devastating impact of a stroke can completely transform the life of the sufferer. Many of the victim's dreams and plans are shattered due to the various disabilities that follow a stroke. However, effective training in stroke intervention can go a long way in reducing the effects of this tragedy. A stroke assessment certification will qualify you to administer effective medical care to stroke victims.

Certification Process

In order to obtain a stroke assessment certification a stroke center must meet the required standards as well as the educational and performance guidelines of the Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification Program. These guidelines was developed by the Brain Attack Coalition and include:

--Program management
--Administering clinical care
--Self-management support
--Clinical information management
--Performance progress and measurement

Classroom instructions, involving a four-hour workshop called Brain Attack, include learning how to operate a baseline stroke assessment scale, understanding the different types of strokes, identifying signs and symptoms of a stroke, performing intervention techniques and practicing community awareness.

Urgent Assistance

Certified stroke assessment centers must be able to provide immediate assistance to stroke victims. This ability is crucial in the early stages of a stroke. Stroke victims must be assessed to determine what caused the stroke so that the proper testing and treatment can be administered. The impact of a stroke can go from bad to worse without the proper diagnosis.

Recognizing symptoms

A stroke assessment certification confirms that the stroke center has the needed qualifications to determine if an actual stroke has occurred. Various symptoms are taken into consideration such as feelings of weakness and heaviness, loss of movement or clumsiness, slurred language, numbness in arms, legs, face, or one side of the body, dizziness, or inability to swallow. Knowing these symptoms prepares the staff for the next step in diagnosing the victim's condition.

Prevention/Solution

Even if the victim has not suffered an actual stroke, but rather something known as transient ischemic attack, or TIA, she still needs urgent medical attention, simply because not enough oxygen is getting to the brain. To prevent a stroke these symptoms must be eliminated within 24 hours. However, if a stroke has occurred, a CT scan (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is given to thoroughly examine the brain to determine the extent of the damage as well as the proper treatment.

Advantage

Possessing a stroke assessment certification prepares a stroke center for meeting the needs of stroke victims. Certified centers are able to prescribe the most effective treatments, medications, and therapies to rehabilitate stroke victims, thereby reducing the chances of a stroke reoccurring.

References

• Joint Commission Facts Sheet
• Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's Healthcare