Stroke and hemorrhage

Question 1

Explain what is the traditional definition of a stroke? What are some different causes?

Answer 1

loss of blood supply to an area of the brain, resulting in a loss of neurologic function.

Question 2

What is the difference between an embolic and a thrombotic stroke?

Answer 2

Thrombotic: Clot forms locally, over an atherosclerotic lesion. Often has prodromes - vasospasms and partial occlusion a.k.a. transient ischemic attacks (TIA).

Embolic : Blockage by thrombi formed elsewhere. The thrombus detaches, travels and lodges in an artery. Often without prodromes .

Question 3

What is a subarachnoid hemorrhage? Can it result in stroke?

Answer 3

Hemorrhagic stroke :

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Most common causes: Aneurysm rupture Arteriovenous malformation

Question 4

What is the main difference in definitions of a transient ischemic attack and a stroke?

Answer 4

Transient ischemic attack is a vascular event with symptoms similar to stroke. The crucial difference between a TIA and a stroke is that the deficits associated with a TIA persist for only a few minutes to a few hours and are followed by an essentially complete recovery.

Question 5

What does the term infarct mean? What does the term penumbra mean?

Answer 5

Penumbra is: The region surrounding the area of permanent tissue damage.

Question 6

Why is that “time is of the essence” in diagnosing and treating stroke?

Answer 6

Time to treatment is critical – up to 3 hours