Blood Supply to the Brain Flashcards
Which arteries supply most of the total cerebral blood flow?
Carotid arteries supply 80%, vertebral arteries supply 20%
Which areas of the cortex does the middle cerebral artery supply?
Supplies most of the lateral outer surface of the brain
Which areas of the cortex does the anterior cerebral artery supply?
Top of the outer surface of the brain and most of the medial surface
Which areas of the cortex does the posterior cerebral artery supply?
Posterior brain portions (medially and laterally)
What structures does the vertebral artery supply?
Spinal cord and the dorsal medulla of the brainstem (via PICA)
What structures does the basilar artery supply?
Supplies the pons and cerebellum
What structures does the posterior cerebral artery supply?
Inferior and medial aspects of the temporal/occipital cortex, thalamus, posterior internal capsule and midbrain
What is the consequence of a stroke involving the middle cerebral artery?
If it’s in the dominant hemisphere: global aphasia and sensorimotor loss of contralateral body
In non-dominant hemisphere: neglect syndrome
What is the consequence of a stroke involving the anterior cerebral artery?
Contralateral sensorimotor loss (below waist),urinary incontinence, personality defects, split-brain syndrome
What is the consequence of a stroke involving the posterior cerebral artery?
Contralateral homonymous hemianopsia and reading and writing deficits
What is an epidural/extradural haematoma?
Bleeding between the dura mater and the skull, this is a rapid arterial bleed.
What is a subdural haematoma?
Bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater from the bridging veins
What is a subarachnoid haematoma?
A spontaneous bleed between the arachnoid and pia mater
Which artery is often implicated in epidural haematomas?
Middle meningeal or anterior ethmoid artery
What are the potential symptoms of an epidural haematoma?
Compression of intracranial structures such as CN III, contralateral weakness of extremities and loss of opposite visual field
What is the common cause of a subdural haematoma?
Rapid acceleration and deceleration
What are the potential symptoms of a subarachnoid haematoma?
Severe (thunderclap) headache, vomiting, confusion
What are the three types of aneurysm?
Saccular, fusiform and berry
What is Wallenburg syndrome (lateral medullary syndrome)?
Sudden onset condition which affects PICA leading to vertigo, nausea, dysphonia, loss of pain/temperature on contractural side, and loss of pain and temperature in the ipsilateral face. There is also loss of gag reflex and an ipsilateral horner syndrome
