W2 - Strokes Flashcards
What is the circulatory system which supplies the brain
Circle of willis
What is key about the circle of willis
It protects the brain via the collateral circulation meaning if an artery is damaged the other arteries compensate for it
What arteries in the circle of willis are not compensated for
Terminal arteries such as the:
Anterior cerebral artery (ACÁ)
middle cerebral artery (MCA)
Posterior cerebral artery (PCA)
What are the 2 main arteries that supply the brain
Internal carotid arteries: x2 (left & right) that run anteriorly
Vertebral arteries: x2 (left & right) that run posteriorly
Explain the route of the anterior circle of willis
Internal carotid arteries pass up the anterior neck and divide into the ACA and the MCA
The ACA then joints to form the anterior communicating artery
Explain the route of the posterior circle of willis
Vertebral arteries pass through the foramina in the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae
The vertebral arteries join in front of the brainstem to form the Basilar Artery
The Basilar artery divides into x2 PCA that then connect to the rest of the circle of willis via the posterior communicating artery
What part of the brain does the ACA supply
Medial & superior part of the frontal lobe
Anterior parietal lobe
Frontal and pre frontal lobe
Supplementary motor cortex
Primary motor cortex
Primary sensory cortex
What areas of the brain does the MCA supply
Greater part of the lateral cerebral surface (including main motor & sensory areas)
Deep structures such as the internal capsule & basil ganglia
What areas of the brain does the PCA supply
Occipital lobe
Inferomedial surface of the temporal lobe
Thalamus
What is a stroke
Disruption of blood supply to the brain causing sudden and lasting neurological defects
What is a mini stroke called
Transient ischaemic attack
What is a transient ischaemic attach (TIA)
Temporary disruption in the blood supply to the brain causing stroke like symptoms that last between a few minutes and a few hours with them being fully restored after 24 hours
If an injury occurred to the basil ganglia, what would happen?
There would be problems with your cardiovascular and respiratory system
What would happen if the blood flow in the ACA was disrupted
Patients may become disinhibited or demonstrate personality changes
They will also have issues with their motor planning and motor output
What would happen if the blood flow in the MCA was disrupted?
Patients could have weakness or paralysis (hemiparesia)
Facial drop
Sensory loss
Aphasia (speech difficulties)
Visual disturbance
What would happen if the blood flow in the PCA was disrupted?
Patients will have affected vision memory and spatial awareness
