Stroke

Question 1

What are the 4 main arteries supplying the brain?

Answer 1

2 vertebral arteries - through vertebrae in transversarium of TP in C. Spine
2 internal carotid arteries - down front of neck

Question 2

Describe the anterior cerebral circulation

Answer 2

Internal carotids pass up front of neck and divide into anterior and middle cerebral arteries
2 anterior cerebral arteries join anteriorly via the anterior communicating artery

Question 3

Describe the posterior cerebral circulation

Answer 3

2 vertebral arteries join in front of brainstem to form Basilar artery
In the upper brainstem, the Basilar artery divides into 2 posterior cerebral arteries, which connect to the Circle of Willis via 2 small posterior communicating arteries

Question 4

Which parts of the brain are supplied by the middle cerebral artery?

Answer 4

Most of outer surface
Sensorimotor cortex
Basal ganglia
Internal capsule
Broca's area

Question 5

Which parts of the brain are supplied by the anterior cerebral artery?

Answer 5

Frontal lobe

Medial part of sensorimotor cortex

Question 6

Which parts of the brain are supplied by the posterior cerebral artery?

Answer 6

Occipital lobe
Medial aspect of temporal lobe
Thalamus

Question 7

Which parts of the brain are supplied by the Basilar artery?

Answer 7

All of the brainstem
Cerebellum
Nuclei of cranial nerves

Question 8

Define a stroke

Answer 8

Rapidly developing clinical signs or symptoms of focal, and at times, global loss of cerebral function lasting more than 24 hours or that leads to death, with no apparent cause other than vascular

Question 9

Define a TIA or mini-stroke

Answer 9

Classed as symptoms lasting less than 1-2 hours, sign part of the brain not getting enough blood

Question 10

What are the 2 types of stroke?

Answer 10

Ischaemic or haemorragic

Question 11

What are the symptoms of a total anterior circulation stroke (TACS)?

Answer 11

UL weakness
Homonymous Hemiopia
Higher cerebral dysfunction

Question 12

What are the symptoms of a partial anterior circulation stroke (PACS)?

Answer 12

Two of:
UL weakness
Homonymous Hemiopia
Higher cerebral dysfunction

Question 13

What are the symptoms of a posterior circulation stroke (POCS)?

Answer 13

Cerebellar syndrome
Loss of consciousness
Homonymous Hemiopia

Question 14

What are the symptoms of a lacunar stroke?

Answer 14

UL weakness
Sensory stroke
Ataxic hemiparesis

Question 15

What are the 4 types of haemorrhagic stroke with common causes?

Answer 15

Intracerebral Haemorrhage - hypertension
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage - AVM or trauma
Subdural Haemorrhage - trauma
Extradural Haemorrhage - severe trauma