Stroke Basics
What is the medical term for a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain that resolves without long-term damage?
A: What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
Q: Which chronic condition is the leading cause of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes?
What is hypertension?
What is a classic description of the headache associated with a subarachnoid hemorrhage?
What is a thunderclap headache?
What are the types of head injuries?
Concussion, contusion, diffuse axonal injury, intracranial hemorrhage.
What imaging technique is used to distinguish between myelopathy and radiculopathy?
A: MRI.
Which artery is most commonly associated with FAST symptoms in stroke patients?
What is the middle cerebral artery (MCA)?
What congenital vascular condition increases the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke?
What is an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)?
What is the maximum time window for administering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)?
What is 3 hours from the onset of symptoms?
What are common signs of increased intracranial pressure?
Severe headache, nausea/vomiting, deteriorating level of consciousness
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
An emergent condition requiring immediate surgical decompression to relieve pressure
What is the pathophysiological process that occurs in an ischemic stroke?
What is an arterial blockage depriving brain tissue of oxygen-rich blood?
What side effects are commonly associated with a left hemisphere stroke?
What are right-sided motor weakness, aphasia, and difficulty with reasoning?
Which imaging techniques are most commonly used to diagnose a stroke?
What are CT, CTA, and MRI?
What clinical syndrome is characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations
Cushing's triad.
What are the hallmark and most common symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Saddle anesthesia (hallmark) and urinary retention (most common)
Q: How does a hemorrhagic stroke differ from an ischemic stroke?
What is the rupture of a blood vessel versus arterial blockag
What is the name of the genetic mutation that increases stroke risk by affecting clotting?
What is Factor V Leiden?
What intervention is used to remove a blood clot during an ischemic stroke?
What is a thrombectomy?
What is the formula for calculating cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)?
A: CPP = MAP - ICP.
What are spinal precautions for patients with suspected instability?
Bed flat, cervical collar in place at all times, bed rest only, and log roll for position change
What percentage of strokes occur in individuals under the age of 65?
What is 34%?
What are two modifiable lifestyle factors that can significantly reduce the risk of stroke?
What are smoking cessation and regular exercise?
What are the components of Cushing’s triad, indicating elevated intracranial pressure?
What are high systolic blood pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations
What should be done if fluid is observed leaking from the nose or ear after a head injury
Report the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Why is a thorough neuro exam critical in spinal pathology or surgery?
To monitor for any decline in neuromotor function.