Stroke Flashcards
How much more likely are afro-caribbean people to have a stroke than caucasian people?
twice as likely
What are most strokes a result of anatomically?
Blood clot
Can cardiac arrest cause a stroke?
Yes
What is an ischaemic stroke?
Formation of plaques rupture- thrombus forms
What is a haemorrhagic stroke?
Where a weakened area of blood vessels or an aneurysm bursts. Causes 15% of strokes but 40% of stroke deaths .
What causes haemorrhagic strokes?
Cerebral congenital aneurysms, traumatic brain injury
What is a thrombectomy?
A small number of severe ischaemic strokes can be treated by an emergency procedure called a thrombectomy. This removes blood clots and helps restore blood flow to the brain. Involves inserting a catheter into an artery
What is thrombolysis?
injections of a medicine called alteplase, which dissolves blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain.
What are the risks of thrombolysis? Who is more at risk?
High bleeding risk, death. Malignancy, recent surgery, pregnancy
What is the ABC of haemorrhagic stroke treatment?
Rapid anticoagulent reversing
Intensive blood pressure lowering
A care pathway for prompt neurosurgical referral
What are the aspects of neurorehabilitation?
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutritional support, speech and language
What is the long term management of ischaemic stroke?
prevention of further strokes
-anti platelet meds eg aspirin
-further imaging eg MRI, US
-cardiovascular risk management
-screening for risk factors eg diabetes, atrial fibrillation, smoking, diet
-warfarin- less used now
What did a RCT in the new england journal of medicine find with use of statins after stroke or TIA?
In patients with recent stroke or TIA and without known coronary heart disease, 80 mg of atorvastatin per day reduced the overall incidence of strokes and of cardiovascular events, despite a small increase in the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke.
