deck_3166997 Flashcards
What are the main blood vessels that supply the brain?
Internal carotidsVertebral arteries
Give the branches of the internal carotid arteries
Anterior cerebralMiddle cerebral (continuation)OpthalmicPosterior communicating
What does the anterior cerebral artery supply?
Medial surfaces of frontal and parietal lobes
What does the middle cerebral artery supply?
Lateral surfaces of the cerebral cortex
Give the branches of the vertebral arteries
Join to form the basilar arteryPosterior cerebral arteries
What does the basilar artery supply?
Medulla Brainstem
What does the posterior cerebral artery supply?
Inferior surface of brainOccipital lobe
Where do the internal carotid arteries enter the skull?
Carotid canal
Where do the vertebral arteries enter the skull?
Foramen magnum
Why is the circle of willis important?
Provides collateral circulation if there is a blockage to one part of a blood vessel- usually inadequate after a sudden occlusion
Describe autoregulation
Cerebral blood vessels will constrict and dilate in response to changes in cerebral perfusion pressure so that it can maintain a sufficient perfusion.
Decreased CPP?
Vasodilation
Increased CPP?
Vasoconstriction
Define cerebral perfusion pressure
The net pressure gradient causing cerebral blood flow to the brainMean arterial pressure minus intracranial pressure
Define stroke
A clinical syndrome of abrupt loss of focal brain function lasting over 24 hours or causing death
What causes a stroke?
- Spontaneous haemorrhage into brain tissue2. Inadequate blood supply
What are the different types of stroke?
IschaemicHaemorrhagic
Describe ischaemic stroke
80-85% of strokesDue to blockage of blood supply- large vessel atheroma or embolism80% = atheroma20% = AF
Describe haemorrhagic stroke
15% of strokesRupture of cerebral blood vessels Primary = no structural lesionSecondary - structural lesion is present
What are the main causes of haemorrhagic stroke?
Hypertensive causes (40%)- microaneurysmsLarge aneurysms (15%)Anticoagulant/thrombolytic causesDrugs e.g. cocaine, amphetaminesTumour
Define a TIA
Sudden onset focal disturbance of brain function which resolves completely within 24 hours Most within 20 mins to 2 hours
Give some symptoms that occur if the site of the stroke is in the frontal lobe
- Speech impairment- personality changes- Movement impairment (motor control area)
Give some symptoms that occur if the site of the stroke is in the Parietal lobe
Eye sight problems- superior optic radiation- inferior homonymous hemianopia
Give some symptoms that occur if the site of the stroke is in the occipital lobe
Homonymous hemianopia