Stroke Flashcards
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a neurological condition caused by a disruption of blood supply to a part of the brain, leading to cell death.
What are the two main types of stroke?
Ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke.
What are the common symptoms of a stroke?
Sudden weakness or numbness (especially on one side of the body), facial drooping, speech difficulties, vision problems, dizziness, or loss of balance.
What is the acronym FAST used for in stroke recognition?
FAST stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.
What is the aetiology of an ischaemic stroke?
It is caused by a blood clot or embolism obstructing cerebral blood flow, often due to atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, or other embolic sources.
What is the aetiology of a haemorrhagic stroke?
It is caused by bleeding into the brain tissue or surrounding spaces, often due to hypertension, trauma, or aneurysmal rupture.
What is the prevalence of stroke in the UK?
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in the UK, with approximately 100,000 strokes occurring annually.
What are the main risk factors for stroke?
Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidaemia, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
What is the pathophysiology of an ischaemic stroke?
It involves a reduction in cerebral blood flow leading to oxygen deprivation, cell death, and brain tissue damage.
What is the pathophysiology of a haemorrhagic stroke?
It involves the rupture of a blood vessel causing bleeding, increased intracranial pressure, and secondary tissue damage.
What clinical examination findings might indicate a stroke?
Weakness or sensory loss on one side of the body, facial asymmetry, slurred speech, gaze deviation, and signs of neglect.
What is the initial imaging investigation for suspected stroke?
A non-contrast CT head scan to differentiate between ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke.
What is the role of MRI in stroke diagnosis?
MRI, particularly diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), is more sensitive in detecting acute ischaemic changes.
What are some blood tests performed for stroke evaluation?
Full blood count, coagulation profile, blood glucose, lipid profile, and renal function tests.
What is the differential diagnosis for stroke?
Hypoglycaemia, seizures, migraines, brain tumours, or Bell’s palsy.
What is the acute management for ischaemic stroke?
Thrombolysis with alteplase within 4.5 hours of onset or thrombectomy in suitable cases.
What is the acute management for haemorrhagic stroke?
Blood pressure control, reversal of anticoagulation, and neurosurgical intervention in some cases.
What conservative measures can help reduce stroke risk?
Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and weight management.
What medical treatments are used in stroke prevention?
Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin or clopidogrel), anticoagulation (if indicated), and antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications.
What surgical options are available for stroke management?
Carotid endarterectomy for significant carotid artery stenosis and surgical intervention for haemorrhagic strokes in certain cases.
What is transient ischaemic attack (TIA)?
TIA is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve within 24 hours without permanent damage.
Why is TIA significant in stroke care?
It is a warning sign of a potential future stroke and requires urgent assessment and management.
What role does rehabilitation play in stroke management?
Rehabilitation focuses on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help recover lost functions and improve quality of life.
What are the potential long-term complications of a stroke?
Paralysis, cognitive impairment, aphasia, depression, and increased risk of future strokes.