Ischemic Stroke Overview and Risks

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Questions and Answers

What is a common clinical manifestation of intracerebral hemorrhage?

Increased appetite

Persistent dizziness

Sudden onset of severe headache and vomiting (correct)

Gradual onset of mild headache

What can influence the extent of focal neurologic deficits in cases of intracerebral hemorrhage?

Location and extent of the bleeding (correct)

Age of the individual

Presence of a headache

Time of day the injury occurred

Which of the following is NOT a type of seizure?

Partial or focal

Absence

Tonic-clonic

Chronic (correct)

What characterizes a seizure disorder?

Abnormal electrical impulses in the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could be a secondary cause of seizures?

Head injury Signup and view all the answers

In cases of status epilepticus, what occurs?

Rapidly recurring seizures Signup and view all the answers

Which type of seizure is typically seen in children and induced by fever?

Febrile Signup and view all the answers

What may happen to an individual's clinical status in cases of intracerebral hemorrhage?

It may rapidly deteriorate despite intervention Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the complete clearance of neurologic deficits within 24 hours?

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome without definitive diagnosis and treatment within a year for individuals who experience ischemic symptoms?

Recurrence of symptoms in 80% of cases Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as 'stroke-in-evolution'?

Slowly progressive neurologic dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes an embolic stroke?

Thrombus fragments breaking from areas outside the brain Signup and view all the answers

What happens if persistent vessel obstruction is not resolved rapidly?

It results in a completed stroke Signup and view all the answers

Which artery is most commonly associated with embolic strokes?

Middle cerebral artery Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of unstable plaque as compared to stable plaque?

Unstable plaque can lead to stroke more quickly Signup and view all the answers

What symptom might an individual with ischemic changes experience?

Loss of consciousness or dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk factor for cardio-embolic stroke?

Atrial fibrillation Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is primarily associated with decreased motor ability on the affected side after a stroke?

Hemiparesis Signup and view all the answers

What does the F.A.S.T. test acronym stand for in detecting stroke symptoms?

Face, Arms, Speech, Time Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms may occur as a result of subsequent cerebral edema after a stroke?

Decreased consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical outcome of valvular heart disease concerning stroke prevention?

Anticoagulation therapy Signup and view all the answers

What can result from damage to the brain regions responsible for language processing?

Aphasia Signup and view all the answers

How does the artery obstructed affect clinical manifestations of thrombotic stroke?

It influences symptoms significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a severe consequence of untreated cerebral edema following a stroke?

Brain herniation Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a generalized seizure?

It involves a rapid spread of electrical activity throughout both hemispheres of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of tonic-clonic seizures?

They include dramatic muscle contractions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the postictal state following a generalized seizure?

The patient experiences confusion and exhaustion. Signup and view all the answers

How long do most seizures typically last?

From 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

Which phase is associated with the clonic aspect of a tonic-clonic seizure?

Initial jerking followed by muscle twitching. Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger a generalized seizure in some patients?

Aura prior to the seizure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a medical emergency in seizure management?

A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of generalized seizures?

Starts from a localized area and spreads. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease?

Insidious and progressive loss of memory Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is most significantly affected in Alzheimer's disease?

Acetylcholine (ACh) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following functions is eventually impacted by Alzheimer's disease?

Judgment and abstract thinking Signup and view all the answers

What is noted as one of the emotional responses in patients with Alzheimer's disease?

Emotional upset Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease?

Primarily affects recent events Signup and view all the answers

What is currently known about the cause of Alzheimer's disease?

The exact cause is not yet known Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ischemic Stroke

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) causes temporary neurologic deficits, including vision changes, speech issues, motor dysfunction, and dizziness, resolving within 24 hours.
Without diagnosis and treatment, 80% of individuals experience recurrence of symptoms within one year, with many advancing to complete stroke.

Types of Stroke

Cerebral Thrombosis: Stable plaque leads to narrowing or occlusion, resulting in progressive neurologic dysfunction termed "stroke-in-evolution." Without rapid restoration of perfusion, cerebral infarction leads to a completed stroke.
Embolic Stroke: Caused by fragments from thrombus outside the brain (heart, aorta), often affecting the middle cerebral artery and leading to occlusion and complete stroke.

Risk Factors for Cardio-embolic Stroke

Atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and valvular heart disease increase the risk.
Individuals typically receive anticoagulation therapy (e.g., warfarin) to prevent complications, including stroke.

Clinical Manifestations of Thrombotic Stroke

Symptoms vary based on the afflicted artery, with common issues arising from middle cerebral artery obstruction including:
- Hemiparesis or hemiplegia (weakness or paralysis on one side)
- Hemisensory loss (diminished sensation on one side)
- Aphasia; potential complications include decreased consciousness, brain herniation, or death due to cerebral edema.

Aphasia and Stroke Recognition

Aphasia occurs due to brain damage affecting language comprehension and production.
F.A.S.T. test helps identify stroke symptoms:
- Face: Check for drooping
- Arms: See if one arm drifts down
- Speech: Assess clarity

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Characterized by sudden severe headache and vomiting.
Loss of consciousness and coma may occur; neurologic deficits depend on bleeding extent and location.
Deterioration of clinical status can happen rapidly despite intervention.

Seizure Disorders

Involves recurrent abnormal electrical impulses in the brain, categorized into:
- Generalized Seizures: Spread rapidly throughout both hemispheres, causing loss of consciousness.
  - Types include tonic-clonic (grand mal), absence (petit mal), and febrile seizures.
- Partial Seizures: Can be simple or complex, localized to one area.

Generalized Seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures include dramatic muscle contractions and postictal confusion.
Most seizures last 30 seconds to 2 minutes; seizures over five minutes are a medical emergency.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Characterized by progressive memory loss, particularly for recent events, alongside emotional disturbances.
Progressive decline in cholinergic neurons leads to further cognitive impairments, including impact on judgment and abstract thinking.

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of ischemic stroke, including the causes and consequences of Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), different types of strokes like cerebral thrombosis and embolic strokes, as well as their associated risk factors. Understand the importance of diagnosis and treatment to prevent future strokes.