Conditions of Circulatory Disorders

Question 1

Describe Stroke

Answer 1

A Stroke is an acquired neurological condition which affects both adults and children. The patient’s brain is deprived of blood and therefore essential nutrients (glucose) and oxygen. A Stroke has a sudden onset with periods of spontaneous recovery

Question 2

What is an Ischemic Stroke

Answer 2

An Ischemic Stroke is caused by lack of blood flow to the brain tissues caused by a blockage. There are two types of blockages: Thrombosis and Embolism

Question 3

What is Thrombosis

Answer 3

Thrombosis is where arteries in the brain narrow. A blood clot can form in the narrow arteries and block blood flow

Question 4

What is Embolism

Answer 4

A blood clot that forms somewhere in the body and then travels to the brain and black blood

Question 5

What is a Haemorrhagic Stroke

Answer 5

This is an intra cranial haemorrhage where blood cells rupture

Question 6

What causes a Haemorrhagic Stroke

Answer 6

High Blood Pressure
Blood thinning medications
Illegal drugs such as cocaine

Question 7

Describe what an Aneurysm is

Answer 7

An Aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness, if they burst they can lead to a haemorrhage.
A classic symptom is the ‘thunderclap headache’

Question 8

Describe what a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage is

Answer 8

This is a bleeding into the subarachnoid space which is the area between the membrane and the pia mater surrounding the brain

Question 9

Describe a Subdural Haematoma

Answer 9

This is a collection of blood collects between the inner layer of the dura mater and the arachnoid matter of the meninges due to the small blood vessels bursting

Question 10

What does a Subdural Haematoma Cause

Answer 10

Increased pressure on the brain tissue inside the skull

Question 11

How can a Subdural Haematoma be caused

Answer 11

It can be caused by trauma such as falling and hitting the head. It has a characteristic crescent shaped blood

Question 12

What are some of the symptoms of a Subdural Haematoma

Answer 12

Confusion, headache, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, change in behaviour

Question 13

Describe a ATERIO-VENOUS MALFORMATION (AVM)

Answer 13

An AVM can develop anywhere in the body but usually in the spine or the brain

AVM disrupts the normal flow of blood pressure because it does not have the small blood vessel network of capillaries and instead the blood flows quickly from the arteries to
the veins – the surrounding tissues do not get oxygen
If they bleed they can result in haemorrhages.

Question 14

Describe a Patent foramen ovale (PFO)

Answer 14

This is often described as a ‘hole in the heart’ - In the Embryo a small flap (called the foramen ovale) is present between the right and left atria. This usually closes during infancy but when it does not this is called a PFO. Small blood clots in the heart may move through the PFO and travel to the brain

Question 15

Describe Carotid Artery Dissection

Answer 15

This is a tear in the carotid artery in the neck. This causes the Arterial wall to spilt open. Microemboli can form which can break off and travel to the brain

Question 16

Describe Atrial Fibrillation

Answer 16

This is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. In Atrial Fibrillation the heart’s upper chambers (atria) contract randomly and sometimes so fast that the heart muscles cannot relax properly between contractions. It reduces the heart’s efficiency and performance. The abnormal electrical impulses fire in the atria and override the heart’s natural rhythm

It can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, tiredness