Stroke Flashcards
what is the definition of a stroke?
rapidly developing clinical symptoms and / or signs of focal, and at times global, loss of brain function with symptoms lasting more than 24 hours or leading to death with no apparent cause other than that of vascular origin
what score is used to identify stroke?
rosier (if >0 = stroke likely)
how can you tell between an infarct and haemorrhage?
CT
what does a haemorrhage look like on CT?
acute blood in brain shows up as white since iron and calcium absorb x-rays
what does infarct look like on CT?
darker area due to oedema
headache = haemorrhage, true or false?
false, this is a myth
how do you manage an acute infarct?
thrombolysis thrombectomy swallow assessment antiplatelets stroke unit care DVT prevention
what is thrombolysis and when does it need to be given?
injecting TPA which breaks down clot
<4.5 after symptom onset
what is the risk of thrombolysis?
can cause bleed
need to do CT beforehand to ensure there isn’t bleed already
when is thrombolysis contraindicated?
previous infarct or haemorrhage
high BP
diabetes
life quality
when should you do thrombectomy?
for posterior clots
why do you need to do a swallow assessment for an acute infarct?
aspiration pneumonia is biggest complication
what antiplatelet should be given and when?
aspirin 300mg ASAP
wait 24 hours if been thrombolysed
how do you prevent DVTs in acute infarct patients?
intermittent pneumatic compression
what are the secondary prevention measures in acute infarct?
medication
lifestyle
carotid surgery
