Stroke

Question 1

What is a stroke?

Answer 1

A stroke is a vascualar insult to the brain causing a focal neurological deficit. This occurs due to ischaemic infarct or haemorrhage, which disrupts the blood supply to the brain.

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of stroke

Answer 2

Acute signs and symptoms may be remembered as FAST

• Face - unilateral drooping
• Arms - may feel weak and numb. Patient may be unable to lift them.
• Speech - slurring of speech
• Time - call 999

Question 3

What may be assoicated with stroke?

Answer 3

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

This is a focal neurological defecit where symptoms last <24hours due to temporary occlusion of the cerebral circulation.

Usually followed by a stroke within 90 days.

Question 4

Treatment following TIA

Answer 4

• Lifestyle changes
• Antiplatelet - aspirin
• Anticoagulant - warfarin (if TIA caused by atrial fibrillation)
• Antihypertensive (if high blood pressure)
• Statins (if high cholesterol)
• Carotid endarterectomy