Lecture 25- intracranial vasuclar pathology (non-traumatic) Flashcards
What is a TIA
Temporary disturbance in brain function due to temporary interruption of blood supply to region of brain- increased risk of stroke
Causes: heart- thrombus ( AF (irregular impulses from places other than sinus, cause clot)/ post MI)
Blood vessels e.g carotid arteries- atheroma- thrombus
middle cerebral a most commonly affected
Why does a TIA involving the right side of the brain typically affect the left side of the body?
Nerve fibres cross over at decussation of pyramids
What is an endarterectomy
Operation to remove atheromatous build up in endothelium
What types of stroke are there?
Ischaemic stroke- irreversible necrosis of brain tissue due to insufficient oxygen
Haemorrhagic stroke- irreversible necrosis of brain tissue due to haemorrhage within substance of brain tissue- HT, occassionally amyloid angiopathy or arteriovenous malformation
What is vasculitis
group of diseases where there is inflammation of blood vessels- often idiopathic or autoimmune
CNS vasculitis- affects cerebral blood vessels only or part of systemic vasculitis
What blood vessels are the most likely causes of the following intracranial haemorrhages
Extradural (epidural)- Middle meningeal a, trauma
Subdural- bridging veins- trauma
Subarachnoid- Circle of willis, trauma or spontaneous
Intracerebral- Hypertension, AVM, amyloid angiopahty
What is amyloid?
An abnormal protein that accumulates in tissues in wide variety of clinical settings, e.g Alzheimer’s
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy- deposition of amyloid in cerebral BV walls- ^ risk of haemorrhage
What is arteriovenous malformation
Congenital abnormal tangle of arteris and veins within the substance of the brain or on the surface, risk of bleeding
Berry aneurysm
Aneurysm- bulging/weakness of a blood vessel (or heart)
Berry- round
Round outpouchings in circle of Willis
Prone to spontaneously bleed- SAH
Autosomal polycystic kidney disease a risk factor
