Stroke Flashcards
In simple terms, what is a stroke?
Loss of blood supply/oxygen to a brain region leading to death of neurones.
What are the two classifications of stroke?
Ischaemic and haemorrhagic
Which is more common, ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke?
Ischaemic
Which typically has a more significant impact/threat to life, ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke?
Haemorrhagic
Haemorrhagic strokes occur for approximately what percentage of stroke events?
20%
What percentage of people will die within one month following a stroke?
1 in 5 (20%)
What occurs in an ischaemic stroke?
An obstruction blocks blood flow to a part of the brain.
What occurs in a haemorrhagic stroke?
Weakened blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding inside or around brain tissue.
Ischaemic stroke obstructions are usually due to either ____ or ____.
Thrombus or embolism.
A thrombus is usually associated with ____ ____.
Atherosclerotic plaque
TIA’s can be an indicator of underlying ____ ____.
Thrombotic disease.
Note: would also accept ‘cardiovascular disease’.
Haemorrhagic strokes are commonly associated with what chronic health condition?
Chronic hypertension
Aside from hypertension, what two other conditions are often associated with haemorrhagic stroke?
Aneurism or arterio-venous malformation
Why is significantly higher mortality and death associated with haemorrhagic rather than ischaemic stroke?
This type can significantly displace brain tissue and increase intracranial pressure (ICP)
Describe the neurotoxic domino effect
Loss of O2 and glucose results in rapid necrosis of the directly affected area and the damage extends beyond this area due to a neurotoxic effect; neighbouring and regional cells undergo apoptosis due to excitotoxicity.