Stroke

Question 1

What does the acronym FAST stand for in relation to stroke?

Answer 1

Facial droop to one side
Arms drop
Slurred speech
Time

Question 2

What is the ‘golden hour’ in stroke?

Answer 2

Patient must receive treatment within 1h after having a stroke to survive

Question 3

What is an ischaemic stroke?

Answer 3

Blockages in blood vessels leading to cut off blood supply to the brain

Question 4

What drug is used to treat an ischaemic stroke?

Answer 4

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), e.g. alteplase, tenectaplase

Question 5

When should tPA’s be given after having a stroke?

Answer 5

Within 3-4h after having a stroke to reduce bleeding risk

Question 6

What drugs are given for the acute management of stroke?

Answer 6

300mg aspirin, OR 300mg clopidogrel OD for 14 days

Question 7

What is a mechanical thombectomy?

Answer 7

Procedure which removes obstructive clots using a catheter device

Question 8

What is a haemorrhagic stroke?

Answer 8

A rupture of a weakened blood vessel in the brain

Question 9

What are the 2 types of haemorrhagic strokes?

Answer 9

Subarachnoid
Intracerebral

Question 10

What are the 2 options for treatment of haemorrhagic strokes?

Answer 10

Surgery to repair blood vessels
Reversal of coagulopathy - vitamin K, or fresh frozen plasma

Question 11

What is the secondary prevention/management for stroke?

Answer 11

REMEMBER LAL
Lifestyle management
Antiplatelet therapy (14 days after stroke) - 75mg clopidogrel OD OR 75mg aspirin OD + 200mg BD dipyrimadole
Lipid treatment - 80mg atorvastatin