Stroke Flashcards
Stroke
Syndrome of rapid onset neurological defect caused by a reduction in the blood supply due to cerebral infarction or haemorrhage
Ischaemic stroke
Occlusion of an intracranial or neck vessel leading to ischaemia and subsequent infarction of brain tissue
Haemorrhagic stroke
Bleeding into or around the brain classically due to a burst aneurism
Which stroke type is more common
Ischaemic
4 mechanisms of ischaemic stroke
Thrombosis
Embolism
Systemic hypoperfusion - Watershed stroke
Venous sinus thrombosis
Do thrombi or emboli more commonly cause stroke
Thrombi
How does atherosclerosis form
Endothelial damage -> lipoproteins and monocytes adhere to vessel wall + enter intima -> monocytes differentiate to macrophages -> macrophages engulf lipoproteins becoming foam cells -> cholesterol and foam cells accumulate forming fatty streak -> foam cells release pro inflammatory cytokines -> smooth muscle proliferation + CT deposition -> fibrous cover and necrotic cord form
Foam cell
Macrophages that have engulfed cholesterol
What is the first step in atheroma formation
Endothelial damage
How do foam cells cause smooth muscle cell proliferation
Release pro inflammatory cytokines
Why can atheroma form a necrotic core
Lack of capillaries
How can atheroma cause thrombosis
Plaque ruptures removing the endothelium and exposing fibrous cap, which causes clotting
2 types of Haemorrhagic stroke
Intracerebral
Subarachnoid
Most important stroke risk factor
Hypertension
Main symptom of subarachnoid haemorrhage
Thunderclap headache
What investigation can identify >95% Haemorrhagic stroke
CT Scan
What investigation is ordered if Haemorrhagic stroke suspected but CT clear
Lumbar puncture
What causes a watershed stroke
Systemic hypoperfusion
Stroke symptoms
Face asymmetry
Slurred speech
Difficulty raising both arms
Headache
Confusion
Aphasia
Dizziness
Loss of balance
Visual disturbance