Neuro- Stroke Flashcards
What are the two major arteries supplying blood to the brain?
Internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries
What is the circle of Willis and its significance
A circulatory anastomosis that provides collateral circulation to the brain, protecting against arterial blockages
What does the anterior cerebral artery supply (ACA)?
The medial and superior parts of the frontal lobe and anterior parietal lobe.
This includes the primary motor and sensory cortex for the lower limb.
What does the Middle Cerebral artery (MCA) supply?
The lateral cerebral surface so the main motor and sensory areas as well as deep structures like the internal capsule and basal ganglia
What does the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) supply
The occipital lobe, Inferomedial temporal lobe and thalamus.
What does the basilar artery supply
The brainstem (pons, medulla and midbrain)
The cerebellum
What is a stroke?
A sudden and lasting neurological deficit caused by disrupted blood supply to the brain
What is a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
A temporary disruption in blood supply to the brain with symptoms resolving within 24 hrs
What percentage of strokes are ischaemic v haemorrhagic?
85% ischaemic
15% haemorrhagic
Name the four classifications of stroke
Total Anterior Circulation Stroke (TACS)
Posterior circulation (POCS)
Partial Anterior Circulation Stroke (PACS)
Lacunar Stroke (LACS)
What are the causes of an ischaemic stroke?
Atheroma (plaque build up)
Thrombosis (clot in cerebral artery)
Embolism (clot from somewhere else blocking a cerebral artery)
What is the most commonly affected artery in ischaemic strokes?
The Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA)
What are two main types of haemorrhagic strokes?
Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH)
Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)
What is the goal of thrombolysis?
To dissolve a clot in an ischaemic stroke and restore blood flow, preventing further cell death.
What is a thrombectomy
A procedure to remove a clot using a catheter guided through the femoral vein
What treatment is used for carotid artery stenosis?
Carotid Endarterectomy
A surgical removal of plaque build up in a carotid artery
What are the key treatments for a haemorrhagic stroke?
Urgent reversal of anticoagulants
Blood pressure lowering
Surgical intervention
Rank the four types of strokes in order of fatality rate
TACS
POCS
PACS
LACS
What is meant by a ‘terminal artery’?
The ACA,MCA and PCA are not protected by the collateral system
