Brain Case of the Day

Question 1

first investigation in suspected stroke?

Answer 1

CT

Question 2

treatment options in ischaemic stroke? how long after symptoms start can this be used?

Answer 2

thrombolysis
thrombectomy
up until 6 hours after symptoms onset

Question 3

what must be ruled out before beginning treatment in ischaemic stroke?

Answer 3

haemorhage

Question 4

what is seen in early stages of established ischaemic stroke?

Answer 4

wedge shaped dark area (infarcted tissue, fluid, oedema etc) - goes right out to periphery of brain tissue
loss of grey/white matter differentiation

Question 5

what can cause deterioration after stabilisation of ischaemic stroke?

Answer 5

haemorhagic transformation

swelling and oedema

Question 6

how is a deterioration after ischaemic stroke investigated?

Answer 6

emergency CT

Question 7

blood on CT? (clot or haemorrhage)

Answer 7

white

Question 8

what happens after stroke has been established for a long time?

Answer 8

gliosis (liquefied)