Physiotherapy for Neurological Conditions

Questions and Answers

What is another name for stroke?

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Which of the following are risk factors for stroke? (Select all that apply)

Smoking (correct)

Diabetes (correct)

Hypertension (correct)

Regular exercise

What condition is characterized by a quivering or irregular heartbeat?

Atrial fibrillation (AF)

Cerebral infarction occurs when a cluster of brain cells die due to lack of __________.

blood Signup and view all the answers

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) leads to permanent symptoms lasting more than 24 hours.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Hypertension = High blood pressure that can lead to stroke Cerebral infarct = Brain lesion due to lack of blood supply Atrial fibrillation = Irregular heartbeat that may result in blood clots Cerebellar infarct = Loss of control of bodily movements on the same side of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common presentation of cerebral infarct?

MCA stroke Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical factor in restoring blood flow to prevent tissue death after an infarction?

Time Signup and view all the answers

Cerebral hemorrhage accounts for 85% of strokes.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the time frame for symptoms to resolve in a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Stroke

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) results from cerebrovascular disease affecting blood supply to the brain.
Critical understanding of brain anatomy and its circulation is essential.

Aims of the Lecture

Review arterial supply to the brain.
Explore pathophysiology of acute stroke.
Identify risk factors associated with stroke.
Understand typical presentations of an acute stroke.
Outline medical management strategies for stroke.
Recognize prognostic indicators for stroke outcomes.

Risk Factors for Stroke

Common risk factors mirror those of cardiovascular diseases, including:
- Hypertension
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) leading to complications like stroke and heart failure.
- Congestive cardiac failure (CCF), where the heart can't pump effectively.
- Diabetes, genetic predisposition, high blood lipids, and smoking.
- Potential risks associated with oral contraceptives.

Pathophysiology of Stroke

Cerebral Infarct: Characterized by cell death due to insufficient blood flow, accounting for 85% of strokes.
- Causes include thrombus or embolus occlusion.
Cerebral Hemorrhage: Represents 15% of strokes, resulting from vessel wall rupture.

Blood Flow & Ischemia

Normal cerebral blood flow (CBF) meets metabolic demands for oxygen and glucose.
Post-infarction, CBF decreases, leading to potential tissue death unless restored within a critical time.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Known as a "mini-stroke," TIA serves as a warning sign.
CBF recovers before irreversible damage, with complete symptom resolution within 24 hours.
Immediate attention to risk factors is critical.

Common Stroke Presentations

Symptoms relate directly to the affected arterial territory.

Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) Stroke

Most frequent type of cerebral infarct due to the carotid anatomy.
Right MCA Stroke (non-dominant):
- Left hemiplegia, more severe in upper limb.
- Left hemisensory loss.
- Left homonymous hemianopia and visual neglect.
Left MCA Stroke (dominant):
- Right hemiplegia, upper limb affected more.
- Right hemisensory loss.
- Dysphasia (speech difficulties and comprehension issues).

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH): Involves rupture of blood vessels.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Another form of hemorrhagic stroke, distinct from ICH.

Summary

Understanding stroke pathology, risk factors, and presentations assists in timely diagnosis and intervention, critical for improving patient outcomes.

Description

This quiz covers the foundational concepts presented in Lecture 1.1 of PTY 223 regarding strokes. Review the arterial supply to the brain, pathophysiology, risk factors, presentations, medical management, and prognostic indicators related to acute stroke. A solid understanding of brain anatomy is also essential for this quiz.