Stroke Dx and management

Question 1

Presentation of stroke?

Answer 1

Abrupt onset of focal neurologic symptoms and signs

Question 2

First step?

Answer 2

Evaluate and stabilize vital signs

Question 3

Main aspects of PMHx?

Answer 3

Stroke risk factors, medications

Question 4

Main aspects FHx?

Answer 4

Vascular Dz, HTN, hyperlipidemia

Question 5

Main aspects SHx?

Answer 5

tobacco, EtOH, illicit drugs

Question 6

Routine labs for stroke patients?

Answer 6

EKG with rhythm strip
CXR for heart size
CBC with differential and platelet cout
Chemistry profile (glucose, BUN, electrolytes)
Lipid profile
Clotting times (INR, aPTT)
Head CT without contrast

Question 7

CT scan is sensitive to what type of stroke?

Answer 7

Hemorrhagic

Question 8

When does CT scans begin to detect evolving infarcts? What does this mean?

Answer 8

6-12 hours

Not good to identify ischemic strokes