Stroke treatment

Question 1

Stroke unit advantages

Answer 1

• increases prognosis up to 10 years after event
• allows patients to become mobilised ASAP
• concentrate on small things which can lead to big problems e.g. swallowing

Question 2

Thrombolysis

Answer 2

-recommended within 2 hours

Question 3

Clot retrieval operation

Answer 3

• guidewire
• micro-catheter
• device passed over micro catheter which pushes clot to side of vessels to re-establish blood flow
• device becomes embedded in clot
• device + clot removed

Question 4

Carotid endarectomy

Answer 4

• carotid opened up and clot removed

- bypass formed during operation to maintain blood flow to the brain

Question 5

Best outcome

Answer 5

intravenous thrombolysis and clot retrieval

Question 6

secondary prevention

Answer 6

• aspirin/clopidogrel: 75 mg
• statins
• BP reducing medication
• warfarin