Stroke Risk Factors and Brain Tumors

Stroke Risk Factors

• Atherosclerosis is a primary risk factor for stroke as it narrows arteries, reducing blood flow.
• Thrombosis contributes to stroke risk by obstructing blood flow in vessels, preventing adequate brain blood supply.
• Infarction during a stroke is primarily caused by the interruption of blood supply to a part of the brain.
• Hypertension damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of rupture or blockage, significantly increasing stroke risk.

Intracranial Bleeding and Stroke

• Micro-aneurysms can rupture, causing bleeding within the brain, leading to stroke and complications.
• Hemorrhage can occur within the brain due to micro-aneurysms rupturing.

Ependymoma

• Ependymoma affects children and can lead to hydrocephalus by obstructing cerebrospinal fluid pathways.
• The World Health Organization classifies ependymoma into Grade II and III, indicating its varying degrees of malignancy.

Medulloblastoma

• Medulloblastoma accounts for approximately 20% of brain tumors in children.
• It primarily originates in the cerebellum, responsible for coordination and balance.
• Children under 6 years are most commonly affected by Medulloblastoma.
• Medulloblastoma typically presents as an irregular, ill-defined mass with necrosis.
• It is classified as a highly malignant tumor (Grade IV).

Schwannoma

• It primarily affects Cranial Nerve VIII, impacting hearing and balance.

Neurofibromas

• They are characterized by the presence of subcutaneous nodules.

Neurofibromatosis

• Café au lait skin patches are a hallmark feature of Neurofibromatosis.
• It is an autosomal dominant disorder resulting in tumors on nerve tissue.

Intracranial Tumors

• Common complications of intracranial tumors include compression of surrounding structures and edema.
• Hydrocephalus is a common symptom associated with intracranial tumors due to cerebrospinal fluid blockage.
• A key histological feature of Schwannomas is the palisading of nuclei.

Spina Bifida

• It is a congenital condition resulting from the incomplete closure of the spinal column, which can lead to neurological issues.
• Meningocele occurs in the spinal region, involving a meningeal sac protruding through a defect in the spinal column.
• Meningomyelocele is a more severe form of Spina Bifida, affecting the spinal cord.

Intracranial Hematomas

• Epidural Hematoma occurs in the extradural space, between the skull and the outer layer of the meninges.
• It is typically caused by a linear fracture damaging the middle meningeal artery.
• Subdural Hematoma develops from mild traumatic injuries to veins, leading to bleeding in the subdural space.
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage results from massive trauma, hypertension, or arterial vascular diseases, causing bleeding within the brain tissue.
• Symptom onset for Epidural Hematoma is typically rapid.
• Epidural Hematoma often starts with mild symptoms that can progress to significant issues.
• Subdural Hematoma symptoms vary depending on severity and speed of bleeding.
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage is characterized by severe headaches, potential loss of consciousness, and neurological deficits.

Liquefactive Necrosis

• A key characteristic of liquefactive necrosis is necrotic tissue infiltrated by macrophages with lipids.

This quiz covers critical risk factors for stroke, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and the implications of intracranial bleeding. Additionally, it explores brain tumors like ependymoma and medulloblastoma, highlighting their effects on cerebrospinal fluid and classification. Test your knowledge on these vital health topics!