Stroke Flashcards
(56 cards)
What are the two major arteries supplying blood to the brain?
Internal Carotid Arteries and Vertebral Arteries
What is the purpose of the Circle of Willis?
Protects the brain via collateral circulation
• Anterior circle of Willis
◦ Internal carotid arteries pass up the anterior neck and then divide to form the anterior cerebral artery and the middle cerebral artery
◦ Anterior carotid artery’s join to form the anterior communicating artery
• Posterior circle of wills
◦ Vertebral arteries pass up through foramina in transverse processes of cervical vertebrae and joint in front of brain stem to form the basilar artery
◦ Basilar artery divides at the upper brainstem into two posterior cerebral arteries and is connected to the circle of Willis by the posterior communicating arteries
What is a stroke?
Disruption of blood supply to the brain resulting in sudden and lasting neurological deficits
What percentage of strokes are Ischaemic?
85%
What are the types of strokes?
- Ischaemic
- Haemorrhagic
What are the four categories in the Bamford/Oxford Classification of Strokes?
- Total Anterior Circulation Stroke (TACS)
- Partial Anterior Circulation Stroke (PACS)
- Lacunar Stroke (LACS)
- Posterior Circulation Stroke (POCS)
Look at table
Fill in the blank: The _______ supplies blood to the medial and superior parts of the frontal lobe.
Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA)
What does the Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) supply?
The greater part of the lateral cerebral surface and deep structures including the internal capsule and basal ganglia
What is a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)?
Temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain with symptoms similar to a stroke
True or False: Haemorrhagic strokes account for 15% of all strokes.
True
What are the main causes of Ischaemic strokes?
- Atheroma
- Thrombosis
- Embolism
What is the treatment for Carotid Artery Stenosis?
Carotid Endarterectomy
What is thrombolysis?
Clot busting drug given to patients with acute ischaemic stroke to restore blood flow
What are the risks associated with thrombolysis?
Risks of causing bleeding anywhere in the body
What is the recommended time frame for urgent brain imaging in stroke patients?
Within 1 hour
What should be done for patients admitted with Intracranial Haemorrhage (ICH)?
- Anticoagulant urgently reversed
- BP lowered
- Consider surgical intervention for hydrocephalus
What is the significance of collateral circulation in the Circle of Willis?
Ensures appropriate perfusion for the brain if one supply artery is damaged or blocked
Fill in the blank: The _______ supplies blood to the occipital lobe.
Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)
What is the most common vessel involved in Ischaemic strokes?
Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA)
What are the signs of a Total Anterior Circulation Stroke (TACS)?
- Unilateral weakness of the face, arm, and leg
- Homonymous hemianopia
- Higher cerebral dysfunction
What type of stroke involves bleeding on the brain?
Intracranial or Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH)
What is the role of thrombectomy in stroke management?
Clot removal with a catheter inserted through the femoral vein
What are the two types of haemorrhagic strokes?
- Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH)
- Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)
What is the importance of reviewing risk factors after a stroke?
To provide treatment and advice to reverse these risk factors if possible