LO5: Brain and stroke Flashcards
What is the role of the frontal lobe in the brain?
Higher level thinking process, for decision making and planning
What is the function of the corpus callosum in the brain?
Bridge of nerve tissue
Connects two halves of the brain
Enables communication between the two halves
What is the function of the cerebral cortex in the brain?
Thinking, processing, made of tightly packed neurons
What is the function of the cerebellum in the brain?
Back of the skull
Coordinates and regulates muscle activity
Gross and fine motor skills
Controls muscles to maintain balance
What is the function of the medulla in the brain?
Regulates life sustaining functions such as breathing, swallowing and heart rate
What is the function of the hypothalamus in the brain?
Maintenance of body temp
Regulates appetite and thirst
Lets us know when we need to eat or drive
What is the role of the meninges in the brain?
3 layers of membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord
Provides a barrier from the rest of the body
Protection from infection
What are the two different types of strokes?
Ischaemic stroke
Haemorrhagic stroke
What is the biological explanation of and Ischaemic stroke?
Most common type of stroke, occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain
What is the biological explanation of a Haemorrhagic stroke?
Cerebral haemorrhages, occur when a blood vessel within the skull bursts and bleeds into and around the brain
Possible causes of a stroke
Over 50 years old
Unhealthy lifestyle eg. smoking and drinking
Combined contraceptive pill/ high blood pressure
What are the symptoms and effects of an Ischaemic stroke?
Brain starved of oxygen, blood flow to area of the brain is cut off
Oxygen is prevented
Brain cells die due to lack of oxygen
Areas controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost
What are the symptoms and effects of a Haemorrhagic stroke?
Bleed on the brain
Blood spills into or around the brain, creates swelling and pressure, damaging cells and tissues in the brain, causes brain cells to die and affected part of the brain stops working properly
Treatments of Ischaemic stoke
Blood thinners (aspirin): taken once daily to thin blood
Clot busters (alteplase): dissolves blood clots
Thrombectomy: surgery to remove blod clots from the brain and restores blood flow
Strengths and weaknesses of blood thinners as a treatment?
Strengths: reduces chances of another clot, can be for long term use, easy to take
Weaknesses: have to remember to take them, risk of bleeding, may have to make dietary changes, digestive/ liver issues
Strengths and weaknesses of clot busters as a treatment
Strengths: dissolves blood clot, restores blood flow to the brain, fast acting
Weaknesses: must be used asap, risk of bleeding, can cause heart issues
Strengths and wekanesses of a thrombectomy as a treatment
Strengths: removes clots, restores blood flow
Weaknesses: should be done asap, invasive surgical procedure, blood clot may not be accessible, painful, risk of infection
Treatments of a Haemorrhagic stroke
Crainiotomy: srugery to repair burst blood vessel
Beta blockers: reduce heart rate and blood pressure
Strengths and weaknesses of craniotomy as a treatment
Strengths: repairs burst blood vessel, restores blood flow, reduces pressure within the cranium
Weaknesses: should be done asap, invasive surgical procedure, invasive surgicak procedure, painful, long recovery period, risk of further brain injury
Strengths and weaknesses of beta blockers as a treatment
Strengths: reduces blood pressure, reduces risk of further strokes, easy to take
Weaknesses: have to remember to take them, causes swelling and digestive issues, has costs
