Stroke

Question 1

What scoring system is used as a prognostic tool for assessing risk in patients with suspected TIA?

Answer 1

ABCD2

Question 2

What are the criteria and scores in ABCD2?

Answer 2

A - Age: >/= 60 (1 point)
B - BP: >/= 140/90 (1 point)
C - clinical features: unilateral weakness (2 points); speech disturbance with no weakness (1 point)
D- Duration of symptoms: >60 minutes (2 points); 10-59 minutes (1 point)
D - diabetes (1 point)

Question 3

What ABCD2 score suggests patients who have had a suspected TIA are at increased risk of stroke?

Answer 3

4 or more

Question 4

How should patients with a suspected TIA and ABCD2 score of 4 or more be managed?

Answer 4

Aspirin - 300mg daily
Specialist assessment and Ix within 24 hrs of onset of symptoms
Secondary prevention once diagnosis confirmed

Question 5

If patient has had 2 or more episodes of TIA in a week, what is this known as and how is it managed?

Answer 5

Crescendo TIAs

they are managed in the same way as patients at high risk of stroke, even if ABCD2 score is

Question 6

What artery is most likely affected in subarachnoid haemorrhage resulting in 3rd nerve palsy involving the pupil?

Answer 6

posterior communicating artery until proven otherwise