stroke Flashcards
what causes a stroke?
reduced blood and oxygen supply to the brain
what two problems that cause a reduced blood supply cause a stroke?
cerebral infarction- by atherosclerosis or embolic 90%
cerebral haemorrhage- by intracranial haemorrhage or subarachnoid haemorrhage 10%
what happens in a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
blood gets into the subarachnoid space
what are the symptoms of subarachnoid haemorrhage?
-severe sudden headache - thunderclap
-neck stiffness - photophobia
-vomiting
-impaired consciousness
how would you diagnose subarachnoid haemorrhage ?
ct scan
angiography to identify aneurysms
what happens with an intracranial haemorrhage ?
causes direct bleeding into brain tissue
what are the symptoms of an intracranial haemorrhage?
headache
nausea
vomiting
what is associated with an intracranial bleed?
hypertension
what are the two types of cerebral infarction?
transient ischemic attack- symptoms resolve in 24 hrs- urgent medical care needed to reduce chance of progression to permanent stroke
completed stroke - results in neurological deficit
what effects does a stroke cause?
it depends on which part of the brain is affected
what does FAST stand for?
face
arms
speech
time
is cerebral infarction a medical emergency?
yes
what is the treatment of cerebral infarction?
-long term anti-platelet e.g aspirin, clopidogrel
-anticoagulants if atrial fibrillation
-manage other risk factors
-rehabilitation- regain function
how would you investigate a stroke?
ct scan
why would a nasogastric tube be used in stroke patients? is this short term or long term?
to aid swallowing- as this may become impaired with a stroke
is PEG a short or long term method post stroke?
long term
give examples of stroke rehabilitation
speech therapy
physiotherapy
occupational therapy
dietitian
social workers
what is generalised peripheral neuropathy?
glove and stocking syndrome
what is a cause of glove and stocking syndrome?
diabetes mellitus
what causes bells palsy?
lower motor neurone palsy of facial nerve
is bells palsy viral or bacterial?
normally viral
what Is the treatment for bells palsy?
steroids
tape eye closed at night to prevent cornea damage
how can you tell the difference between bells palsy and a stroke?
bells palsy-lower motor neuron
-lesion of facial nerve affects whole side of face
strokke- upper motor neuron
-supranuclear lesion in brain affects bottom part of face
