Intro to stroke 2 - presentation

Question 1

what is the presentation of a stroke in basic terms

Answer 1

sudden onset loss of function

Question 2

what are some common motor presentations of a stroke

Answer 2

clumsy/weak limbs

Question 3

what are some common sensory presentations

Answer 3

change in/loss of feeling

Question 4

what are some common speech presentations

Answer 4

dysarthria - difficult/unclear articulation of speech

dysphagia - swallowing problems

Question 5

what are some common vision presentations

Answer 5

loss in one eye (AMAUROSIS FUGAX - can be both eyes, temporary, painless)
hemianopia - loss of vision in half of a visual field
gaze palsy

Question 6

what are some other common presentations of stroke

Answer 6

neglect/ visuospatial problems
ataxia
vertigo
incoordination
nystagmus

Question 7

stroke is a dynamic phenomenon

Answer 7

TIME = BRAIN

Question 8

important things to remember

Answer 8

symptoms are RAPID
symptoms depend on area of brain affected

abnormal movement and severe headache are unusual after stroke

+ve visual phenomena = most likely a migraine