Neuro/Cognition: Ischemic CVA

Pathophysiology/Etiology

Symptoms

Diagnostics/Labs

Complications

Risk Factors

Collaborative Treatment

Increasing age

Male more likely

HTN

Smoking

Hyperlipidemia

CT or MRI scan

Fibrinolytic therapy to dissolve blood clot

Maintain respiratory and circulatory stability while addressing underlying causes

Numbness or weakness on face, arm, or leg

Altered mental status, confusion

Present on one side of body

Vision changes

Dizziness, loss of balance

Sudden severe heache

Aphasia

12-lead ECG

Carotid ultrasound

Prevention

Anticoagulants

Platelet-inhibiting medications

Statins

Recombinant t-PA

Endovascular therapy

Antihypertensives

Surgery (stents)

Seizures

Cardiac dysrhythmias

Paralysis, immobility

Atherosclerotic plaque and formation of blood clots causes cerebral blockage, impairs blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Cells release lactic acid due to anaerobic metabolism from low ATP and oxygen, making pH more acidotic.

Nerve cells run out of energy to continue ion pumps, causing electrolyte imbalance. Calcium enters the cell while glutamate leaves it due to membrane depolarization.

Destruction of cell membrane and proteins causes apoptosis of cells. Neuronal death increases areas of ischemia.

Immune cells are drawn to site of stroke, causing inflammatory response that worsens injury.

Release free radicals that cause damage and inflammation.

Etiology: High blood pressure and hyperlipidemia causes blockage

Neurological deficits