Stroke Flashcards
What are common signs of an acute stroke?
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
What is the purpose of the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in stroke management?
The NIHSS quantifies neurological impairments, is used to monitor stroke severity, and serves as a criterion for thrombolytic therapy eligibility. It is reliable, quick, and can be performed by non-specialists.
Which imaging modality is the mainstay for acute stroke diagnosis and why?
Non-contrast CT is preferred as it is fast, widely available, and can exclude intracranial hemorrhage, which is critical before administering thrombolytic therapy.
What are the types of strokes classified under the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project?
Total Anterior Circulation Stroke, Partial Anterior Circulation Stroke, Lacunar Stroke, and Posterior Circulation Stroke.
What are the common risk factors for stroke?
Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels, and smoking.
What is the therapeutic time window for administering IV-tPA in acute ischemic stroke?
IV-tPA is effective if administered within 4.5 hours of stroke onset.
Describe the basic ‘FAST’ stroke assessment.
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.
What is the difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke?
Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel leading to brain ischemia, while hemorrhagic stroke results from bleeding in or around the brain due to ruptured vessels.
What is endovascular treatment in stroke management?
A procedure to remove clots from large vessels using devices like stent retrievers, often used when thrombolysis is contraindicated or ineffective.
What is the role of antiplatelet therapy post-stroke?
Antiplatelet agents like aspirin help reduce the recurrence of arterial strokes by preventing new clots from forming in the arteries.
