WEEK 4-Brain Blood Supply, Traumatic Brain Injuries and CVA Stroke Basics

Vocabulary flashcards related to brain blood supply, traumatic brain injuries, and stroke, based on lecture notes.

Stroke / Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to neurological impairment lasting more than 24 hours or death.

Occlusive (Ischaemic) Stroke

Stroke caused by a blockage, representing 85% of cases.

Haemorrhagic Stroke

Stroke caused by bleeding, representing 15% of cases and associated with higher mortality.

Circle of Willis

Arterial circle around the pituitary's base, allowing blood distribution and potential compensation for blockages.

Brain's Metabolic Needs

The brain is 2% of body weight but consumes 20% of the body's oxygen and 70% of blood glucose.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

Brain capillaries are tightly sealed, restricting substance movement from blood to intercellular fluid.

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

A 'ministroke' with symptoms disappearing within 24 hours, caused by brief blood flow occlusion; a warning sign for future stroke.

Thrombosis

Local blood clot formation, often from atherosclerosis and associated with hypertension/diabetes mellitus.

Embolism

Blood clot from elsewhere travels to the brain.

Ischaemic Penumbra

A rim of viable brain tissue that is mildly to moderately ischaemic, located between normal and severely ischaemic areas.

Liquefactive Necrosis

Severe ischaemia leads to the death of neurons and glial cells, which are then broken down by enzymes and replaced with cerebrospinal fluid.

Stroke in Evolution

A stroke that is actively progressing due to increasing occlusion and ischaemia.

Intracerebral Haemorrhage

Bleeding within the brain tissue itself, often due to hypertensive damage or ruptured aneurysms.

Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH)

Bleeding into the subarachnoid space, often from a ruptured 'berry' aneurysm.

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

Brain (80%), blood (12%), and CSF (8%) occupy a fixed volume of 1600ml within the skull.

Herniation

Brain tissue displacement due to increased pressure, potentially through skull openings or between compartments.

Closed Head Injury

Blunt trauma, skull intact, brain damaged by indirect force or internal process.

Open Head Injury

Penetrating trauma, dura mater broken, brain damaged by direct force.

Primary Injury (TBI)

Direct impact affecting neurons, glia, and blood vessels.

Secondary Injury (TBI)

Develops after primary injury, including cerebral oedema, haematoma, and increased intracranial pressure.

Tertiary Injury (TBI)

Caused by systemic effects like apnoea, hypotension, and respiratory/cardiovascular issues stemming from primary and secondary injuries.

Post Traumatic Amnesia (PTA)

A post-traumatic confusional state characterized by memory loss around the trauma, agitation, disorientation, and decreased cognitive ability/attention.