Evaluation of Case Study
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Evaluation of Case Study
Condition and PathophysiologyJohn Stevenson is a 70-year-old male who suffered a right-sided ischemic stroke on August 26, 2022. Ischemic strokes transpire when a cerebral artery is occluded, diminishing blood supply and resulting in neuronal demise (Feigin et al., 2021). A right-sided stroke impacts the contralateral (left) side of the body, leading to hemiparesis, exemplified by Johns left-sided weakness. The stroke interrupts motor pathways, chiefly the corticospinal tract, hindering voluntary muscle control and coordination (Jauch et al., 2013). Furthermore, impairment in areas associated with speech and emotional regulation may elucidate John's slurred speech and emotional fluctuations.
Clinical Interpretation of DataJohn exhibits pronounced weakness on the left side, especially in the upper and lower extremities. Muscle strength assessments, such as 1+/5 for dorsiflexion and 2/5 for hamstrings, indicate significant motor dysfunction. His gait is significantly aberrant, characterised by diminished left hip and knee flexion during the swing phase, shortened step length, left foot drop, and knee hyperextension in the stance phase. The application of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) on the left leg signifies significant motor impairments and gait abnormalities (Pollock et al., 2014).
