stroke Flashcards
what is a stoke?
a loss of function in the brain, due to either Ischaemia or Haemorrhage.
what happens if the stroke is due to ischaemia?
there is a thrombus or embolus blocking the vessel wall
what happens if the stroke is due to haemorrhage?
there is a rupture of the vessel wall, and blood spills into/around the brain, thus causing swelling
what are the symptoms of a stroke?
symptoms last for > 24 hours, same as TIA
Focal Neurological Deficit; Sudden weakness/numbness in the face/arm/leg, and is often in one side of the body
Loss of Speech
Loss of Sensation
Loss of Vision
Loss of Co-ordination
Loss of Power
Loss of Consciousness
Headache (with no known cause)
Vomiting
Neck Stiffness
Photophobia
*After a stroke, many people find it hard to swallow (Dysphagia in 50% of patients)
what are the 3 different types of stroke? and how long do they last?
TIA (<24 hours)
Minor Stroke (> 24 hours but with minor neurological deficit)
Disabling Stroke (> 24 hours but with a persisting disability that impairs one’s independence
where can strokes occur?
the Carotid Artery area or the Basilar Artery area
what are 8 modifiable and 4 non-modifiable risk factors for a stroke?
Modifiable risk factors for a stroke:
HYPERTENSION
Smoking (increases risk by 2-3 times)
Diabetes (increases risk by 3)
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Increased Lipids
Increased Alcohol use
Oral Contraceptives
Non-modifiable risk factors for a stroke:
Being old
Being male
Having a bad family history of stroke
having had a previous stroke.
what 7 investigations are used to diagnose a stroke?
CT (to look for infarction or haemorrhage)
MRI (to look for infarction or haemorrhage)
ECG (to look if AF, or LVH)E
CHO (to look at Valves, if patient has ASD, VASD, PFO)
Bloods - FBC, Glucose, Lipids, ESR
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound (to look for stenosis)
Cerebral Angiogram (to look for vasculitis)
what treatment is given?
thrombolysis e.g. alteplase
