Stroke Flashcards
What is a stroke?
Collection of rapidly developing symptoms that are indicative of focal (sometimes global) brain damage with a vascular origin
Is stroke a diagnosis?
No - it leads to a diagnosis i.e. the underlying cause of it
What are the 3 main things you must note in a stroke history?
Time of onset
Symptoms
Progression
Why is it important to note time, symptoms and progression?
Various conditions can mimic a stroke
Name some conditions that can mimic a stroke
Seizures (Todd’s paresis causes unilateral weakness)
Sepsis (in patients with cerebral scar tissue from previous stroke)
Metabolic/toxic disorders
Hypoglycaemia
Dementia
Delirium/confusion
Space occupying lesions e.g. brain tumours
What is the main screening tool for assessing the likelihood of a stroke?
ROSIER Score
<0 = less likely
>0 - 1 = more likely
What are the types of stroke?
Haemorrhagic
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Infarct
Name causes of haemorrhagic stroke
Structural abnormalities Extreme hypertension (causes vascular damage increasing risk of bleeding) Amyloid angiopathy (deposition of amyloid protein makes vessels more friable and prone to bleed)
Name causes of subarachnoid haemorrhage stroke
Head injury
Ruptured aneurysm
Name causes of infarct stroke
Structural abnormalities AF causing cardioembolic stroke Atherosclerosis causing Atheroembolic stroke Thrombophilia Small vessel disease
Can you clinically differentiate between each stroke type?
No, only through imaging
What is the first line imaging for stroke?
CT Scan
UNLESS:
- Patient presents >1 week late
- Stroke is minor (MRI more sensitive)
- Stroke is posterior (increased bone presence causes interference on CT)
How does blood show on a CT?
Bright white, due to iron presence
What must be remembered regarding haemorrhage and CT?
Blood is reabsorbed within 3 weeks of haemorrhage leaving an empty space and scar tissue so may not always be obvious on CT
Conduct MRI if patient presents >1 week late
What must be remembered with infarcts and CT?
CT MAY BE CLEAR
For infarcts to show on a CT, necrosis and oedema must occur, which takes time. If CT is conducted prior to this stage, it will be clear.