Stroke Flashcards
What is a ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack?
This happens when a blood clot or other blockage, cuts off the blood supply to your brain
What are the risk factors for a ischemic stroke/TIA?
Hypertension Smoking Diabetes Obesity Atrial fibrillation Ischaemic heart disease Peripheral vascular disease Hyperlipidaemia Lifestyle/diet Alcohol Drugs e.g. cocaine Family history/genetics Age African/Asian/Hispanic Head and neck trauma
What is an intracerebral brain haemorrhage?
Bleeding in the brain caused by rupture of a damaged blood vessel in the head
What are some risk factors for ICH?
Hypertension Amyloid angiopathy Age Antithrombotic drugs Head trauma Structural abnormalities
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking
Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
Sudden loss of balance
What conditions mimic a stroke?
Migraine Epilepsy Structural brain lesions Metabolic/toxic disorders Vestibular disorders Psychological disorders
How quickly is a CT scan needed if a person is suspected to be having a stroke?
Urgent scan if:
- depressed level of consciousness
- unexplained progressive or fluctuating symptoms
- papilloedema, neck stiffness or fever
- severe headache at onset
- history of trauma before onset
- thrombolysis or early anticoagulation being considered
- anticoagulation or known bleeding tendency
What is the treatment of a stroke?
Thrombolysis
Surgery
What is TACS?
Total anterior circulation stroke
- higher cortical dysfunction
- hemiparesis
- homonymous hemianopia
What is PACS?
Partial anterior circulation stroke
What is LACS?
Lacunar stroke
Motor stroke
Sensory stroke
Face, arm, leg
What POCS?
Posterior circulation stroke
Cranial nerve palsies
Bilateral motor/sensory loss
Cerebellar dysfunction
What is the management of a stroke?
Medical- diagnosis and control of risk factors- aspirin, warfarin, statin, antihypertensives, diabetes
Nursing- positioning, feeding, hydration, pressure area care, continence, mobilising, information, psych support, chest
OT
Physio
Dietician
Social worker
Psychologist
