Stroke / TIA

Question 1

Approximately 15% of strokes are intracranial haemorrhages (ICH) and have the potential for rapid deterioration.

ICH should be suspected where:

Answer 1

• GCS 10 or less and patient not alert
• patient complained of a severe headache
• nausea and vomiting present
• slow pulse and hypertension noted
• pupil abnormalities noted
• abnormal pattern of respiration noted

Question 2

What are the Stroke Mimics?

Answer 2

• A: alcohol intoxication
• E: epilepsy (seizures)
• I: insulin (hypo/hyperglycaemia)
• O: overdose
• U: uraemia or electrolyte disturbance
• T: trauma (subdural haematoma) or tumour
• I: infection (sepsis, middle ear disorder)
• P: pain (migraine)
• S: syncope