Stroke Flashcards
Define stroke
acute onset of focal neurological symptoms & signs due to disruption of blood supply
What are the two types of stroke?
Haemorrhage
Ischaemic
Describe a haemorrhagic stroke
Bleeding occurs inside or around the brain tissue due to a ruptured vessel
What is the biggest risk factor for a haemorrhagic stroke?
Hypertension - arteriosclerosis leads makes the vessel more likely to rupture. Weaknesses in vessel walls due to structural abnormalities like aneurysm or inflammation also can cause a HS.
Define ischaemic stroke
A clot blocks blood flow to an area of the brain
What is the difference between a thrombotic and embolic ishchaemic stroke?
thrombotic - clot blocking the artery is at the site of occlusion
embolic - clot blocking the artery has travelled distal to the site of origin
What is the third cause of ischaemic stroke?
Hypo perfusion - due to reduced flow of blood a stenosed artery will cause the stroke rather than an occluded one
State five non-modifiable risk factors for stroke
- age
- gender
- family history
- race
- previous stroke
State some modifiable risk factors for stroke
- hypertension
- hyperlipidaemia
- smoking
- diabetes
- AF
- TIA
- Diabetes
- Alcohol Excess
- Obesity
- Physical Inactivity
Name a few rare cases of stroke
- vasculitis
- genetics
- -
What are the three key steps in stroke management?
- Thrombolysis/Thrombectomy to reverse damage
- Identification of stroke type and prevention of another
- Neuroplasticity - rehabilitation & assessment
What is the key difference between a stroke and its mimics?
Mimics do not have interrupted blood flow
State five stroke mimics
- hypoglycaemia
- seizure
- migraine
- brain tumour
- functional hemiparesis (pretend stroke)
How is the type of stroke determined?
By a history, examination & brain imaging (CT or MRI)
How are investigations directed in ischamic strokes?
To find whether it is thrombotic or embolic - blood tests, hypertension or other reasons for arterial disease
