Stroke and Blood Clots Quiz

Study Notes

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke is a temporary blockage in the blood supply to the brain
Haemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain
Aneurysms are weakened areas in the wall of an artery or heart, which can bulge or rupture, leading to internal bleeding
Most common type of aneurysm is the berry aneurysm, which usually occurs at branching points of cerebral arteries
Aneurysms are more common in young patients with stroke and are often the cause of subarachnoid haemorrhage
Aneurysms can be caused by congenital muscular weakness at branching points or acquired due to atherosclerosis
About 60% of cerebral haemorrhages are linked to high blood pressure, which can lead to aneurysms and increase the risk of bleeding.

Blood clots can travel from elsewhere in the body, such as the heart, and become emboli in the brain, causing blockages in the arteries and leading to ischaemic or haemorrhagic strokes. A haemorrhage is the act of bleeding, and a haematoma is the clot of blood that forms in the affected area. High blood pressure can weaken the vessel wall, increasing the risk of aneurysm formation and potentially life-threatening bleeding. Aneurysms occur at weak points in the wall of an artery or heart and can rupture, leading to massive bleeding. The most severe stage of an aneurysm can lead to subarachnoid haemorrhage, which is commonly seen in young patients with stroke. The berry aneurysm is the most common type of aneurysm and typically occurs at branching points of cerebral arteries. Congenital muscular weakness at branching points can lead to aneurysm formation. About 60% of cerebral haemorrhages are linked to high blood pressure, and untreated high blood pressure can lead to aneurysms and increased risk of bleeding.