Neurology

Question 1

Characteristics of global cerebral ischemia

Answer 1

Also known as Diffuse Ischemic Encephalopathy

Caused by a fall in blood flow to the brain, due to processes such as shock, cardiac arrest, and hypotensive episodes.

Purkinje neurons, hippocampus, CA1 (Sommer sector), and pyramidal neurons of the cortex are the most vulnerable areas.

Infaracts in watershed areas, cortical laminar necrosis, and diffuse ischemic necrosis of neocortex

Question 2

Characteristics of transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Answer 2

Due to small platelet thrombi or athero-emboli and is usually reversible, with symptoms lasting less than 24 hours

Question 3

Characteristics of stroke

Answer 3

Can be due to infarction (85% of all stroke cases) or hemorrhage (15% of all stroke cases).

Frequently occur in the middle cerebral artery territory

Question 4

Characteristics of intracerebral (intraparenchymal) hemorrhage

Answer 4

Causes severe headahce, frequent nausea/vomiting, steady progression of symtpoms over 15-20 minutes, and coma.

Most frequently due to hypertension and most commonly involves the basal ganglia, cerebellum and pons, and centrum semiovale