Stroke Flashcards
What is a stroke?
Disrupted blood supply to the brain, causing ischaemia and focal neuropathy
What are the two types of stroke?
Haemorrhagic
Ischaemic/obstructive
Which is the most common type of stroke?
Ischaemic
What happens to cause haemorrhagic stroke?
Weakened blood vessel wall due to inflammation/aneurysm/drugs/hypertension causes bleeding, reducing blood supply to brain
What 3 things cause ischaemic stroke?
Thrombus
Embolus
Hypoperfusion
Statin therapy is recommended in all stroke patients. True/False?
False
Not recommended in haemorrhagic stroke
High levels of which metabolite is assoc. with increased risk of stroke?
Cysteine (homocysteinemia)
How does a TIA differ from a stroke?
It doesn’t tend to cause brain damage; acts as a “warning” that a future stroke will occur (increased risk in next week)
Temporary occlusion of blood flow - resolves in 24 hours
Give examples of some stroke mimics
Hypoglycaemia Seizure Migraine Brain tumours Functional stroke
What are first line investigations for stroke?
CT of brain
MRI both with/without angiography
ECG (AF)/ ECHO
Carotid doppler
What are some risk factors for stroke?
Age
Family history
Sex - males
Previous stroke
Hypertension Hyperlipidaemia Smoking DM AF CHF Lifestyle - alcohol, obesity, exercise
What are some causes of stroke in younger patients
Protein C/S/antithrombin deficiency
Patent foramen ovale
Genetic
Endocarditis/vasculitis
What are the symptoms of stroke?
Facial droop
Arm weakness
Speech difficulties
Time to call emergency services
How is stroke managed medically?
Thrombolysis in first 4 hours if ischaemic Aspirin 75mg Clopidogrel 75mg Statin Anticoagulation in AF Antihypertensives
What surgical procedure can be used in ischaemic stroke?
Carotid endarterectomy
