MDC4 Module 2

Question 1

What is the ABCD Assessment for TIA?

Answer 1

A - Age greater than or equal to 60 (stroke risk increases with age)

B - Blood pressure (BP) greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg (either systolic or diastolic or both)

C - Clinical TIA features (unilateral [one-sided] weakness increases stroke risk)

D - Duration of symptoms (the longer the TIA symptoms last, the greater the risk of stroke)

Question 2

What are the treatments for TIA?

Answer 2

1. Performing traditional or minimally invasive surgery to remove atherosclerotic plaque buildup within the carotid artery and increaseperfusionto the brain
2. Performing a carotid angioplasty with stenting to increaseperfusionto the brain
3. Prescribing antiplatelet drugs, typically aspirin or clopidogrel, to prevent thrombotic or embolic strokes (may be placed on a combination of both drugs)
4. Reducing high blood pressure (the most common risk factor for stroke) by adding or adjusting drugs to lower blood pressure
5. Controlling diabetes (if present) and keeping glucose levels within a target range, typically 100 to 180 mg/dL
6. Promoting lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, eating more heart-healthy foods, and increasingmobilityand physical activity

Question 3

What is a CVA/Stroke?

Answer 3

1. CVA/Stroke is a change in normal blood supply (perfusion) to the brain
2. A stroke (brain attack) is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately to reduce or prevent permanent disability
3. The brain cannot store nutrients or O2, so constant flow is necessary to maintain homeostasis.
4. If perfusion is interrupted, cerebral tissue dies (infarction)
5. Effects on opposite side of the body

Question 4

What are the two types of stroke?

Answer 4

Ischemic Stroke: a clot blocking blood flow to an area of the brain

Hemorrhagic Stroke: bleeding inside or around brain tissue

Question 5

What are the two types of Ischemic Stroke?

Answer 5

Thrombotic and Embolic Stroke

Question 6

What is Thrombotic Stroke?

Answer 6

1. A blood clot formation that blocks a blood vessel (atherosclerosis)
2. Thrombotic stroke accounts for more than ½ of all strokes and is commonly related to atherosclerosis (in carotid arteries)
3. When the clot is a sufficient size, blood flow is occluded
4. Characterized by the GRADUAL onset of symptoms due to the slow nature of build up several minutes to hours.