🔑 Key Definitions
Stroke (CVA): Cerebrovascular accident - blood supply to brain interrupted
Ischemic Stroke: Blood clot blocks brain vessel (~87% of strokes)
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Blood vessel bursts in brain
TIA: Transient Ischemic Attack - "mini-stroke" with temporary symptoms
Ischemic Stroke: Blood clot blocks brain vessel (~87% of strokes)
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Blood vessel bursts in brain
TIA: Transient Ischemic Attack - "mini-stroke" with temporary symptoms
🧠 Stroke Warning Signs (FAST)
- F - Face: Face drooping on one side
- A - Arms: Arm weakness, can't raise both
- S - Speech: Slurred or strange speech
- T - Time: Call emergency immediately!
📊 Stroke Risk Factors
- Modifiable:
- Hypertension (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE - #1 risk!)
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Non-modifiable:
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Family history
- Gender (higher in men)
- Race/ethnicity
🛠 Stroke Consequences
- Motor deficits (paralysis, weakness)
- Speech problems (aphasia)
- Cognitive impairment
- Emotional changes (depression common)
- Sensory loss
💡 Exam Tips
- Remember FAST for stroke warning signs
- Ischemic stroke is MOST common (~87%)
- HYPERTENSION is the #1 modifiable risk factor
- Depression is very common after stroke
- Rehabilitation involves physical, occupational, and speech therapy