Stroke Flashcards
What is the WHO definition of a stroke?
A neurological deficit of sudden onset lasting more than 24 hours of vascular origin
What is a transient attack?
A stroke-like attack lasting less than 24 hours
What are the 5 primary stroke symptoms?
Loss of power Loss of sensation Loss of speech Loss of vision Loss of coordination
What are 3 symptoms that can occur during a stroke that suggest haemorrhaging?
Headache
Vomiting
Neck stiffness
What is a stroke usually caused by? (2)
Blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus
Haemorrhaging from a ruptured blood vessel
What is the main artery involved in supplying blood to the brain?
Carotid
What occurs in a hemorrhagic stroke?
Blood leaks into the brain tissue
What occurs in an ischemic stroke?
A clot stops prevents blood supply to an area of the brain
What is the most common cause of cardioembolic stroke?
Atrial fibrillation
What are the 4 stroke sub-types?
TACS (Total anterior circulation stroke)
PACS (Partial anterior circulation stroke)
LACS (Lacunar stroke)
POCS (Posterior circulation stroke)
What are 2 symptoms of TACS?
Loss of vision
Cerebral dysfunction
What is the main symptom of PACS?
Dysfunction of a limb
What is the symptoms of LAC?
Complete dysfunction of 1 side of body
What are the clinical risk factors for a stroke?
Hypertension
Atrial fibrilation
What 5 investigations would be done for a stroke?
Bloods ECG CT MRI Carotid doppler
What is the main technique used to treat stroke?
Thrombolysis (as soon as possible)
What is a new procedure that is being used to treat stroke?
Clot retrieval
What are 3 contraindications for thrombolysis?
Old age
Bleeding
Hypertension
When is Phase 1 of the TIA & minor stroke treatment plan?
0-30 months
What does Phase 1 of the TIA & minor stroke treatment plan include?
Daily appointment clinic available at all times
When is Phase 2 of the TIA & minor stroke treatment plan?
30-60 months
What does Phase 2 of the TIA & minor stroke treatment plan include? (2)
Access to an emergency action clinic
Treatment started at the clinic
What drugs are used to prevent strokes? (3)
Anti-platelet drugs (Clopidogrel or Asprin)
Statins
BP drugs
When is a carotid endarterectomy performed in stroke treatment?
After the vessels are heavily stenosed
