Stroke and TIA Flashcards
Define stroke
A stroke is an acute neurological deficit attributed to an acute focal injury of the brain, spinal cord, or retina by either a vascular occlusion (ischaemia) or haemorrhage.
Define TIA
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a sudden-onset focal neurological deficit with a vascular aetiology, typically resolving symptoms within less than 1 hour.
Define amaurosis fugax
Loss of vision in one eye - symptom of TIA. Normally painless and transient
What are the risk factors for a TIA/stroke?
Hypertension
Smoking
Poor exercise and diet
Atrial fibrillation
Diabetes
Alcohol
AGE >55
Ethnicity - black and asian
Male
Family hx
Heart disease
Prior stroke/TIA
What are the signs of raised ICP?
Headache
Vomiting
Papilloedema
Reduced levels of conciousness
Cushings Triad
What is Cushings Triad ?
Widening pulse pressure
Bradycardia
Irregular breathing
What is the classification system used for strokes?
Bamford system
What is a TACS stroke
Total anterior circulation stroke (TACS)
Large cortical stroke affecting the areas of the brain supplied by both the middle and anterior cerebral arteries.
What is a PACS stroke?
A partial anterior circulation stroke (PACS) is a less severe form of TACS, in which only part of the anterior circulation has been compromised.
What is a POCS stroke?
A posterior circulation syndrome (POCS) involves damage to the area of the brain supplied by the posterior circulation (e.g. cerebellum and brainstem).
What is a LACS stroke?
A lacunar stroke (LACS) is a subcortical stroke that occurs secondary to small vessel disease. There is no loss of higher cerebral functions (e.g. dysphasia).
Which artery is most commonly affected by a stroke?
Middle Cerebral Artery
What is the mechanism of stroke?
Arterial embolism – from a distant site; e.g. carotids, vertebral or basilar arteries. The embolus will occlude an artery of the brain resulting in infarction. May also come from heart valves in endocarditis.
Haemorrhage – can be in the cerebrum itself, or also a subarachnoid haemorrhage may cause a similar effect