CVA (Part 1) Flashcards

1
Q

What is a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)?

A

A sudden loss of neurological function caused by interruption of the blood flow to the brain.

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2
Q
A
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3
Q

What is the rank of CVA as a cause of death and disability in the US?

A

5th leading cause of death and leading cause of long-term disability among adults.

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4
Q

How often does a stroke occur in the US?

A

Every 40 seconds; 1 death every 4 minutes.

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5
Q
A
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6
Q

Which populations have higher risks of stroke?

A

African-Americans, Mexican Americans, American Indians, and Alaskan natives.

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7
Q

Define ischemic stroke.

A

Stroke caused by blockage of blood flow, accounting for 87% of all strokes.

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8
Q

Define hemorrhagic stroke.

A

Stroke caused by rupture of blood vessels, leading to bleeding in or around the brain, accounting for 13% of all strokes.

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9
Q

What are the types of ischemic strokes?

A
  • thrombus
  • embolus
  • low systemic perfusion/hypoperfusion
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10
Q

Describe thrombotic strokes.

A

Caused by platelet adhesion and aggregation on plaques, leading to local occlusion of blood vessels.

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11
Q

Describe embolic strokes.

A

Caused by clots that dislodge and travel to cerebral blood vessels, blocking blood flow.

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12
Q

Describe hemorrhagic strokes.

A

Hemorrhagic Strokes:

  • Involves bleeding into brain tissue after rupture of a blood vessel wall, causing edema and compression of brain tissue.
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13
Q

What are the common sites for atherosclerotic plaque formation?

A
  • origin of carotid arteries
  • vertebral arteries
  • junction of basilar and vertebral arteries
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14
Q

What are the major modifiable risk factors for CVA?

A
  • hypertension
  • diabetes
  • cardiac arrhythmias
  • high cholesterol
  • CKD
  • obesity
  • tobacco use
  • physical inactivity
  • poor nutrition
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15
Q

What are the non-modifiable risk factors for CVA?

A

Family history, age, gender, and race/ethnicity.

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16
Q

How does smoking affect stroke risk?

A

Current smokers have 2-4 times increased risk; smoking is a significant modifiable risk factor.

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17
Q

How does physical activity affect stroke risk?

A

Physical inactivity is associated with higher risk; aerobic fitness and muscle strength lower stroke risk.

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18
Q

How does nutrition affect stroke risk?

A

High intake of sugar-sweetened and diet soda increases risk; a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy lowers risk.

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19
Q

What are the common symptoms of a stroke (FAST)?

A
  • Face drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Time to call emergency services
20
Q

Compare and contrast the clinical findings of left vs. right hemisphere lesions.

A
  • Left hemisphere lesions affect language and logical processing
  • Right hemisphere lesions affect spatial and perceptual abilities.
21
Q

What are the common imaging techniques used for CVA diagnosis?

A
  • CT
  • MRI
  • MRA
  • Doppler ultrasound
22
Q

What is tPA and when is it used?

A

Tissue plasminogen activator; a clot-busting drug used within a 3-hour window for ischemic stroke.

23
Q

Why is tPA not appropriate for hemorrhagic strokes?

A

Because it can exacerbate bleeding.

24
Q

Define Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).

A

Neurologic dysfunction from focal cerebral ischemia not associated with permanent cerebral infarction, typically lasting less than 24 hours.

25
Q

Describe common CVA vascular syndromes.

A
  • MCA syndrome
  • ACA syndrome
  • PCA syndrome
  • vertebrobasilar artery syndromes

  • each presenting with specific clinical findings
26
Q

What are the outcomes for patients with ischemic vs. hemorrhagic strokes?

A

Outcomes can be similar, but hemorrhagic strokes have higher initial mortality.

27
Q

What are common medications used in the management of CVA?

A
  • anticoagulants
  • antiplatelets
  • antihypertensives
  • statins
28
Q

What is the definition of a CVA?

A

A cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, is a sudden loss of neurological function due to interruption of blood flow to the brain.

29
Q

What is the most common cause of a thrombotic stroke?

A

Atherosclerosis of blood vessels.

30
Q

What is the mortality rate for hemorrhagic strokes within the first month?

A

33% to 50%.

31
Q

What is the most commonly used imaging technique for diagnosing strokes?

A

Computed Tomography (CT).

32
Q

What is the annual number of strokes in the US?

A

Approximately 795,000.

33
Q

What is the leading cause of long-term disability among adults in the US?

A

Stroke (CVA).

34
Q

What is the most significant modifiable risk factor for preventing subarachnoid hemorrhage?

A

Smoking cessation.

35
Q

How does physical activity impact stroke risk in females?

A

Participation in any physical activity reduces stroke risk by 50%.

36
Q

What dietary habit increases the risk of ischemic stroke?

A

Each 1 serving increase in sugar-sweetened soda.

37
Q

What dietary habit reduces the risk of stroke?

A

Consuming 7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

38
Q

What type of stroke accounts for 87% of all strokes?

A

Ischemic stroke.

39
Q

What percentage of strokes are hemorrhagic?

A

13%.

40
Q

What are the preferred sites for atherosclerotic plaque formation in thrombotic strokes?

A
  • origin of carotid arteries
  • vertebral arteries
  • junction of basilar and vertebral arteries (pons)
41
Q

What are the types of hemorrhagic strokes?

A
  • Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
42
Q

What is the typical onset and cause of embolic strokes?

A

Sudden onset, typically caused by cardiac diseases such as MI, rheumatic heart disease, or bacterial endocarditis.

43
Q

What is the significance of the ‘3-hour window’ in stroke treatment?

A

tPA is most effective within 3 hours of ischemic stroke onset.

44
Q

What is the difference between a TIA and a stroke?

A
  • TIA involves temporary neurological dysfunction without permanent damage
  • Stroke causes permanent brain damage
45
Q

How does high cholesterol contribute to stroke risk?

A

It leads to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of thrombotic and embolic strokes.

46
Q

What is the role of Doppler ultrasound in stroke diagnosis?

A

It assesses the vertebrobasilar system and carotid arteries for blood flow issues.