Strokes

ischemic stroke

blockage of an artery in the brain leading to decreased perfusion in the affected area

CVA

neurological loss that is irreversible caused by decreased perfusion to the brain

TIA

temporary loss of neurological function because of decreased brain perfusion

age above 60, BP above 140/90, Clinical, Duration of TIA

ABCD ladder of risk of developing a CVA

risk factors for an ischemic stroke

hypertension, smoking, fat disturbances in the blood, diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea

penumbra

the area of cells in the stroke where function has been decreased but not yet completely lost

signs of an ischemic stroke

decreased mental status, confusion, weakness on the contralateral side of the stroke, ataxia, agnosia, apraxia

agnosia

difficulty in identifying objects, position etc.

apraxia

inability to perform functions that one used to know how to perform

signs of a right hemisphere stroke

left sided hemiplegia, inability to see from the left side, doesn't know that there is a neurological deficit, neglect of the left side of the body

signs of a left hemisphere stroke

right sided hemiplegia, aphasia, inability to see out of the right eye

Broca's aphasia

difficulty in expression of language

Wernicke's aphasia

difficulty in understanding language

global aphasia

difficulty in expression and understanding of language

CTP

best method to diagnose a strokeq

IV TPA

treatment of CVA. it breaks apart the blood clot by changing plasminogen to plasmin

NIHSS

scale used to measure function after a stroke

causes of a hemorrhagic stroke

subarachnoid aneurym, AVM, anticoagulants, transformation of an ischemic stroke

aneurysm

expansion of an artery that can lead it to burst

AVM

a pathological connection between an artery and a vein. Common cause of bleeds in children

risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke

hypertension, age over 55, alcohol

complications of hemorrhagic stroke

vasospasms, rebleeding, acute hydrocephalus, increased ICP, DVT, pneumonia, pressure ulcers