Stroke/ TIA’s

Question 1

Pathological Stages of Stroke & TIA

Answer 1

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack): Temporary blockage; symptoms resolve within 24 hours (no lasting damage)
Ischemic Stroke: Blocked blood vessel (most common, 85% cases)
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Ruptured blood vessel causing bleeding
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (between brain and skull)
• Intracerebral hemorrhage (within brain tissue)
Cryptogenic Stroke: No clear cause found
Stroke in Evolution: Gradual worsening over hours
Completed Stroke: Full neurological deficit established

Question 2

Presentation of Stroke & TIA (FAST)

Answer 2

F - Facial droop: One side of the face droops
A - Arm weakness: Unable to raise one or both arms
S - Speech difficulty: Slurred or confused speech
T - Time to call emergency: Immediate medical attention required

Other Signs:

Sudden vision loss
Severe headache (hemorrhagic)
Sudden numbness or weakness (often one-sided)
Loss of balance, coordination

Question 3

Causes of Stroke & TIA

Answer 3

Ischemic:
Atherosclerosis
Embolism (e.g., from atrial fibrillation)
Blood clots

Hemorrhagic:
Uncontrolled hypertension
Aneurysm rupture
Head trauma
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

Risk Factors:
Smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes
Hypertension, obesity
Sedentary lifestyle

Question 4

Red Flags for Stroke & TIA

Answer 4

Sudden neurological deficit (FAST symptoms)
Severe, “thunderclap” headache
Vision loss or blurred vision
Persistent dizziness or imbalance
Recurrent TIAs (warning sign for future stroke)
Altered mental state (confusion, unresponsiveness)