Stroke Flashcards
What is a stroke?
An interruption of the blood supply to the brain
What are the two types of stroke and how common are they?
Ischemic - 85%
Haemorrhagic - 15%
What is the most common cause of a sudden focal cerebral ischemia?
Atheroma and thrombotic
What is an embolic blockage?
Blockage caused by a foreign body such as an air bubble or blood clot.
What is the cerebral ischameic cascade?
Cerebral ischaemic cascade;
* Na+ and K+ pump dysfunction
* Na+ and Ca+ pump
dysfunction
* Cytotoxic oedema
* Mitochondrial dysfunction
Excitotoxicity
Degradative enzymes
BBB breakdown
Free radicals
What causes cerebral inflammation?
Ischemia
DAMPs
Anti inflammatory
Necrosis
Starts in mins, can last days
Approximately 2 weeks for formation of cavity.
What are frequently more severe? Ischemic or haemorrhagic?
Haemorrhagic
What causes hemorrhagic strokes?
Compression of tissue
ICP
Vasopasm
Secondary stroke
Cerebral aneurism
Arterial venous malformation (AVM)
Loss of neurons
Natural loss of volume
Stiffening of vessels
Stretched vessels
What are the 4 different types of haemorrhagic strokes?
Intracerebral
Subarachnoid
Subdural
Subpial
What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?
Any neuro deficit
What are the treatments for an ischemic stroke?
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPa)
Aspirin/anti-platelet
This use of clot busting medicine is known as thrombolysis. Alteplase is most effective if started as soon as possible after the stroke occurs.
What are some treatments for a haemorhagic stroke?
Elevate head of bed to 30 degrees
Blood pressure management
ICP management
Plasma
Poss IV vit K
What are some risk factors of strokes?
Smoking
Alchohol
High chol
Chronic liver disease
Duel anti platelet thereat
Cocaine/herion/meth
CMBs
Over 55 and male
Certain types of brain tumours
