Treatment of Stroke

Question 1

Why are stroke units important

Answer 1

Mobilise asap
Concentrate on simple things like swallowing, positioning
Early therapy
Concentrating of expertise

Question 2

Purpose of thrombolysis

Answer 2

Aims to restore perfusion before cell death occurs

Question 3

Disadvantage of thrombolysis

Answer 3

Has risks, use 4 hours after stroke occurrence can increase mortality. Risk of haemorrhage

Question 4

Risk factors for haemorrhage after thrombolysis

Answer 4

Infarct size
Vessel occlusion
Diabetes
Blood pressure
Age
Stroke severity
Tissue changes
Antiplatelets

Question 5

Contradictions to thrombolysis

Answer 5

Age > 80
Recent bleeding
Hypertension

Question 6

Hemicraniectomy

Answer 6

Surgical procedure where a large flap of the skull is removed and the dura is opened. This gives space for the swollen brain to bulge and reduces the intracranial pressure

Question 7

Clot retrieval (thrombectomy)

Answer 7

Device like screw expands into clot and pulls it out of vessel

Question 8

Thrombolytic medication for stoke is called

Answer 8

rTPA

Question 9

Example of thrombolytic drugs

Answer 9

Alteplase

Question 10

Secondary prevention

Answer 10

Aspirin 300mg for 2 weeks then clopidogrel 75mg daily
Statin
Blood pressure drugs

Question 11

Secondary prevention for high risk TIA or minor stroke

Answer 11

Aspirin 75mg and clopidogrel 75mg for up to 3 weeks, then continue clopidogrel

Question 12

Anti-platelet drugs

Answer 12

Aspirin

Clopidogrel