Stroke I & II Flashcards
Stroke: definition
Brain damage and dysfunction that results from a
reduction in blood flow to the brain
Stroke vs. ischemia
stroke results from brain ischemia
Ischemia
reduction in blood flow to a tissue
Cerebral ischemia can lead to stroke
But stroke doesn’t equal ischemia
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
resolves within 24 hours
Strokes effect:
___ % of deaths worldwide and ______ canadians per year
10%; 62,000
Stroke is the __ leading cause of death, and ___ leading cause of adult disability
3rd cause of death; 1st leading cause of disability
Limited treatment options due to
Delays with stroke recognition, diagnosis
The multifaceted pathophysiology of the ischemic cascade
Stroke warning signs (5)
Weakness, trouble speaking, vision problems, headache, dizziness
Signs of stroke: FAST
Face–is it drooping
Arms–can you raise both
Speech–is it slurred/jumbled
Time to call 911
Non-modifiable Risk factors for stroke
- Age (most important)
- Gender (more in men, but changes with age–older women have fewer strokes but worse outcomes)
- Family history
- Ethnicity (genetics and socioeconomic factors)
- Prior stroke or Transient Ischemic attack (TIA)
Symptoms of stroke depend on…
where loss of blood flow occurs
usually unilateral–hence the unilateral weakness, drooping etc.
Modifiable Risk factors for stroke
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High blood cholesterol
- Arthesclerosis
- Atrial fibrillation
- Diabetes
- Being overweight
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Stress
1 Modifiable Risk factor for stroke
High blood pressure (hypertension)
How does atrial fibrillation increase stroke risk
poor emptying of the heart can lead to the formation of blood clots that can then be shunted throughout the body and into the brain where they can get lodged –> stroke
2 Types of strokes
Hemorrhagic stroke
Ischemic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke–definition
stroke caused by the rupture of blood vessel in the brain
2 types of Hemorrhagic stroke
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)
Cause of Hemorrhagic strokes
result from trauma, ruptured aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations
Stroke type by percentage
15% hemorrhagic; 85% ischeic
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)–where does it occur and what is the risk of mortality
Bleeding in subarachnoid space
• 40-50% early mortality
• Causes Raised intracranial pressure, Vasospasm
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)–where and mortality
Vessel ruptures leaking blood into parenchyma
Causes mechanical disruption, blood toxicity
• 30-50% mortality
common arteries affected by ICH and why
Often lenticolostriate arteries
because they are small arteries coming off larger ones–> high resistance and heavy flow; more prone to breakage
Why does hypertension increase risk of ICH
hypertension weakens vessels making them more prone to rupture
Blood leeching into the brain–effects; factors in blood and their effects
Blood is toxic to brain cells
When blood leeches into the parenchyma they can release thrombin, iron which are toxic to parenchyma and worsen damage after a stroke