Vascular Flashcards
What is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in SAH?
Vasospasm and ischemia
What is the best for imaging test for suspected SAH?
CT without contrast
If no evidence of bleeding is seen on CT in the setting of suspected SAH, what is the next step?
Lumbar puncture to look for RBCs
Where are the most common sites in the cerebral vasculature for saccular (berry) aneurysms?
Anterior communicating artery aneurysms are the most common location (30%).
Posterior communicating artery aneurysms make up 25%.
Middle cerebral artery aneurysms account for 20% of saccular (berry) aneurysms.
What two mechanisms cause pain in the setting of a saccular (berry) aneurysm?
Rapid enlargement and bleeding
What labs should be drawn in the setting of stroke when considering thrombolytic therapy?
CBC, PR/PTT, cardiac enzymes, troponin, and BUN/creatinine
What are the 4 deadly Ds of posterior circulation strokes?
Diplopia, Dizziness, Dysphagia, Dysarthria
What are the major findings of a middle cerebral artery stroke?
MCA stroke can cause CHANGes -
- Contralateral paresis and sensory loss in the face and arm
- Hemiparesis
- Aphasia (dominant)
- Neglect (nondominant)
- Gaze preference toward the side of the lesion
How is ischemic stroke managed?
tPA if it has been < 3hrs and there is no bleeding or absolute contraindications. Note that BP should be <185/110 to give tPA.
Give ASA if it has been > 3 hrs (or switch to clopidegrel in pts already taking ASA).
How is increased ICP in the setting of ischemic stroke managed?
Mannitol and hyperventilation
What is the single greatest risk factor for stroke?
Hypertension
What are the manifestations of an ACA stroke?
Contralateral paresis and sensory loss in the leg, cognitive or personality changes
What are the manifestations of a PCA stroke?
Vertigo, homonymous hemianopsia
What are the manifestations of a lacunar stroke?
Symptoms are pure motor, pure sensory, ataxic hemiparesis, or dysarthria
When should carotid endarterectomy be considered?
If stenosis is > 60% with symptoms or > 70% without symptoms. Note that it is contraindicated in 100% occlusion
What is the most common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage?
Hypertension
Is neurosurgical intervention required for either epidural or subdural hematomas?
It is for epidural because it can quickly cause herniation. Subdural only require if they are symptomatic - some may regress spontaneously