10 Questions
What is the primary reason why prompt treatment is crucial in stroke cases?
To prevent further brain damage and complications
What percentage of all strokes are ischemic?
80%
What is a common cause of hemorrhagic stroke?
High blood pressure
What is a symptom of stroke that affects the face, arm, or leg?
Numbness or an inability to move
What is the term for fatty deposits and cholesterol that clog blood vessels?
Plaque
What is the primary purpose of a cerebral angiogram in diagnosing stroke?
To provide a detailed view of the blood vessels in the brain and neck
What is the main goal of treatment for a hemorrhagic stroke?
To make the blood clot
What is the purpose of the FAST acronym in diagnosing stroke?
To identify the symptoms of a stroke
What is the function of an echocardiogram in diagnosing stroke?
To check for sources of clots that could have traveled to the brain
What is the primary difference between the treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke?
The goal of treatment
Study Notes
Definition and Introduction
- A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.
- Brain cells begin to die within minutes, making prompt treatment crucial.
Types of Strokes
- There are two main types of strokes: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.
- Ischemic stroke accounts for about 80% of all strokes.
Ischemic Stroke
- Occurs when clots form in the brain's blood vessels, blocking blood flow to the brain's cells.
- Can also occur when plaque (fatty deposits and cholesterol) clogs the brain's blood vessels.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures, causing blood to seep into the brain tissue.
- Common causes: high blood pressure and brain aneurysms.
Clinical Presentation
- Symptoms of stroke include:
- Confusion, difficulty speaking and understanding speech
- Headache, altered consciousness or vomiting
- Numbness or inability to move parts of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side)
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
- Difficulty walking, dizziness, and lack of coordination
FAST Acronym
- Face drooping: does one side of the face droop when trying to smile?
- Arm weakness: does one arm drift downward when trying to raise both arms?
- Speech difficulty: is speech slurred or unusual when repeating a simple phrase?
- Time to act: contact emergency services immediately if symptoms occur.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination: checking muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, vision, and coordination.
- Blood tests: measuring clotting factors and checking for infection.
- Imaging tests:
- CT scan: detects hemorrhages, strokes, tumors, and other conditions within the brain.
- MRI scan: detects damaged brain tissue.
- Carotid ultrasound: checks blood flow in carotid arteries and detects narrowing or plaque.
- Cerebral angiogram: provides a detailed view of blood vessels in the brain and neck.
- Echocardiogram: checks for sources of clots in the heart that could have traveled to the brain.
Treatment
Ischemic Stroke and TIA
- Treated with similar techniques, including:
- Medications to dissolve clots
- Procedures to remove clots or plaque
- Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further strokes
Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Treated with:
- Medications to counteract blood thinners
- Drugs to reduce blood pressure
- Surgery to repair or remove the ruptured blood vessel
Test your knowledge of stroke, a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, and learn about its types and complications.
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