Topic 8: Neurological and mental health conditions (Stroke — Questions 165–174 )

165. What is an ischaemic stroke? 

Answer: Brain injury caused by interruption of blood flow, usually due to a blood clot blocking an artery. 

166. What is a haemorrhagic stroke? 

Answer: Brain injury caused by bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel. 

167. What is the main difference between ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke? 

Answer: Ischaemic stroke results from blocked blood flow; haemorrhagic stroke results from bleeding into or around the brain. 

168. List five risk factors for stroke. 

Answer: Hypertension, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation. 

169. What are the main warning signs of stroke? 

Answer: Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, visual disturbance, balance problems or severe headache. 

170. What does FAST stand for? 

Answer: Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call emergency services. 

171. Explain the pathophysiology of an ischaemic stroke. 

​​Answer: An artery becomes blocked → blood and oxygen supply decrease → brain cells are deprived of energy → cellular injury and potentially irreversible brain tissue death occur.​ 

172. What happens during a haemorrhagic stroke? 

Answer: A blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to leak into or around brain tissue, damaging cells and potentially reducing perfusion to surrounding areas. 

173. Why can a haemorrhagic stroke cause increased intracranial pressure? 

Answer: Blood accumulation and associated swelling increase the volume within the fixed space of the skull, raising intracranial pressure. 

174. Why is a sudden severe headache a concerning symptom? 

Answer: It can indicate bleeding in or around the brain, including subarachnoid haemorrhage, and requires emergency assessment.