Stroke Quiz Study Guide

Nonmodifiable Risk Factors for Stroke

Factors that cannot be changed, such as age, gender, ethnicity/race, and family history.

Age

A nonmodifiable risk factor for stroke where the risk increases with age.

Gender

A nonmodifiable risk factor for stroke that indicates it is more common in men.

Ethnicity/Race

A nonmodifiable risk factor where higher incidence of stroke is observed in African Americans.

Family history/heredity

A nonmodifiable risk factor indicating inherited susceptibility to stroke.

Modifiable Risk Factors for Stroke

Factors that can be changed or controlled, such as hypertension, smoking, and obesity.

Hypertension

A modifiable risk factor for stroke characterized by high blood pressure.

Atrial Fibrillation

A type of heart disease that increases the risk of stroke.

Diabetes

A modifiable risk factor for stroke associated with high blood sugar levels.

Smoking

A modifiable risk factor that significantly increases the risk of stroke.

Obesity

A modifiable risk factor defined as having excess body weight.

Sleep Apnea

A modifiable condition that can contribute to an increased risk of stroke.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Physical inactivity

A modifiable risk factor of stroke relating to lack of exercise.

Poor diet

A modifiable risk factor associated with unhealthy eating habits.

Drug & alcohol abuse

Modifiable behaviors that can elevate the risk of stroke.

BE FAST Mnemonic for Stroke Recognition

Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

Balance (B)

The first component of BE FAST; refers to sudden loss of balance or coordination.

Eyes (E)

The second component of BE FAST; refers to sudden vision changes in one or both eyes.

Face (F)

The third component of BE FAST; indicates facial drooping on one side.

Arms (A)

The fourth component of BE FAST; relates to arm weakness or drift.

Speech (S)

The fifth component of BE FAST; includes slurred or strange speech.

Time (T)

The last component of BE FAST; emphasizes the urgency to call 911.

Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)

Cranial nerve responsible for swallowing, gag reflex, and taste on posterior 1/3 of tongue.

Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)

Cranial nerve that controls muscles for voice and swallowing; parasympathetic functions.

Cranial Nerve XI (Accessory)

Cranial nerve responsible for shoulder shrug and head-turning.

Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)

Cranial nerve responsible for tongue movement.

Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)

Cranial nerve responsible for facial expressions and taste on anterior 2/3 of tongue.

Frontal Lobe Stroke Effects

Impaired speech production (expressive aphasia), motor weakness (contralateral side), and issues with reasoning/planning/personality changes.

Temporal Lobe Stroke Effects

Difficulty understanding language (receptive aphasia), memory issues, and auditory processing problems.

Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA)

Supplies medial and anterior frontal lobes of the brain.

Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA)

Supplies lateral aspects of frontal, parietal, and superior temporal lobes.

Posterior Cerebral Artery (PCA)

Supplies medial occipital lobes and inferior temporal lobes.

Brainstem (Medulla Oblongata & Pons)

Controls respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure; damage can be life-threatening.

Communication Tool for Broca's Aphasia

Includes picture boards, gesture-based communication, and speech therapy for rehabilitation.

Three Major Cerebral Arteries

Anterior Cerebral Artery, Middle Cerebral Artery, Posterior Cerebral Artery

Left-Sided Stroke Behaviors

Slow, cautious, disorganized, anxious, fearful, language/speech issues (aphasia if dominant side), trouble reading and writing.

Right-Sided Stroke Behaviors

Impulsive, poor judgement, safety risk, overestimates abilities, unaware of deficits, spatial-perceptual deficits (neglect of left side), visual memory problems