cerebral vasculature

Question 1

describe the blood supply to the brain

Answer 1

the vertebral artery branches off the subclavian artery into the Foramen magnum
the common carotid artery branches into the internal and external common carotid artery. the internal branches into the carotid canal

Question 2

Describe the circle of willis

Answer 2

posterior: vertebral artery branches into basilar artery which gives way to the posterior cerebral artery
middle: PCA joined to MCA via posterior communicating artery
anterior: MCA joined to ACA, ACA sides joined by anterior communicating artery (small one at the top)

Question 3

where do cerebral veins drain into?

Answer 3

internal jugular vein

Question 4

What are the dural cerebral sinus’?

Answer 4

Question 5

What are the main types of haemorrhages and their causes?

Answer 5

Extradural- high pressure acute, arteries
Subdural- Venous, low pressure
Subarachnoid- aneurysms
Intracerebral- hypertension

Question 6

What is a stroke? compare it to TIA?

Answer 6

A rapidly development focal disturbance to the brain function that lasts more than 24hrs
Transient ishaemic attack is the same but resolves within 24hrs
(Embolus or thrombus to brain)

Question 7

What are the risk factors for a stroke?

Answer 7

Age
Hypertension
Diabetes Mellitus
Smoking
Cardiac Disease

Question 8

What part of the brain (anterior, medial, lateral, posterior) does each cerebral artery perfuse?

Answer 8

Anterior- Anteromedial
Middle- Lateral
Posterior-Posterior/medial lateral

Question 9

Describe an anterior cerebral artery stroke

Answer 9

Paralysis of contralateral structures
leg > arm and face affected
loss of appropriate social behaviour
Abulia

Question 10

Describe a middle cerebral artery stroke

Answer 10

‘classic’ stroke
contralateral hemiplegia arm > leg
contralateral hemisensory defects
hemianopia

Question 11

Describe a posterior cerebral artery stroke

Answer 11

visual defects
homonymous hemianopia
visual agnosia