Brain Flashcards
What is the first-line investigation of the brain?
CT scan
Can be performed with IV contrast.
Is CT scan or MRI scan more useful in acute cases?
CT scan
MRI scan better after a period of time.
Which imaging form is better for distinguishing between grey matter and white matter?
MRI scan
What is most commonly the cause of ischaemic stroke?
Atheroma
Which artery supplies most of the brain?
Middle cerebral artery
Can CT scan appear normal in context of a stroke?
Yes, if performed early enough in the disease pathway.
What is an early sign that can be seen in stroke imaging?
A hyperdense blood vessel.
The vessel in which the clot is found.
What is an extradural haemorrhage?
The collection of blood between the inner surface of the skull, and the outer surface of the dura.
What artery is most commonly involved in an extradural haemorrhage?
Middle meningeal artery - usually injured in skull fracture.
What is a subdural haemorrhage?
The collection of blood in the subdural space.
What age groups are most commonly affected by subdural haemorrhage?
Elderly (following a fall)
Child (following NAI)
How is a subdural haemorrhage investigated?
CT scan
Will show a midline shift.
How does a chronic subdural haemorrhage appear on CT?
Will appear less dense than the rest of the brain tissue.
What % of subarachnoid haemorrhages are due to a berry aneurysm within the Circle of Willis?
Around 85%.
What are complications of subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Hydrocephalus
Vasospasm
Infarction
