Neuro: Stroke: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Stroke🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this life-changing neurological emergency – perfect for exam prep and clinical practice.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Stroke = sudden disruption of brain blood supply, leading to brain cell death• Classified as ischaemic (blockage, ~80%) or haemorrhagic (bleed, ~15%)• TIA (“mini-stroke”): symptoms resolve within 24 hours, but signal major risk📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Ischaemic: atherosclerosis, AFib, carotid stenosis, emboli, diabetes, hypertension• Haemorrhagic: uncontrolled hypertension, aneurysm, AVM, anticoagulation, trauma• Others: vasculitis, thrombophilia (young), previous TIA/stroke💡 Mnemonic: “Stroke HAPPENS FAST” – Hypertension, AFib, Plaques, Previous TIA, Emboli, Non-modifiable, Smoking / Sedentary, Family history, Age, Sex, Thrombophilia📌 Pathophysiology• Blockage (ischaemic): vessel occlusion → ischaemia → infarction• Bleed (haemorrhagic): vessel rupture → mass effect, raised ICP, direct toxicity• “Time is brain”: irreversible damage within minutes!📌 Symptoms• Sudden weakness/numbness (esp. face/arm/leg, usually one side)• Speech disturbance (dysphasia, slurred)• Visual loss (hemianopia), confusion, balance issues, severe headache (think bleed)• FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999💡 Mnemonic: “FAST” – Face, Arm, Speech, Time📌 Differential Diagnosis• TIA, migraine with aura, seizure/post-ictal state• Brain tumour, abscess, encephalitis, subdural haematoma• Metabolic: hypoglycaemia, electrolyte imbalance, intoxication📌 Diagnosis• Emergency CT/MRI brain: confirm type (bleed vs. clot)• ECG (AFib), bloods (glucose, FBC, U&Es, clotting, lipids), carotid Doppler• Use ROSIER score in ED; swallow screen before oral intake💡 Tip: Imaging always before antiplatelet!📌 Management• Admit to specialist acute stroke unit ASAP• Ischaemic: IV thrombolysis within 4.5 hrs (if eligible), thrombectomy (within 6 hrs), aspirin after bleed excluded• Haemorrhagic: manage BP, neurosurgery if needed• Support: swallow screen (NBM if unsafe), early mobilisation, DVT prophylaxis, rehabilitation• Secondary prevention: clopidogrel, statin, manage risk factors📌 Complications• Long-term disability: weakness, aphasia, vision loss, dysphagia, incontinence• Cognitive/psychological: depression, emotionalism, dementia• Medical: DVT/PE, pneumonia, pressure sores• Recurrence: high risk of further strokes📌 Prognosis• 85% survive to discharge, but ~2/3 with disability; 1 in 4 risk of recurrence in 5 years• Prompt treatment = better outcomes; delays = permanent loss📎 More MSRA Resources for Stroke📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/stroke-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/stroke-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/stroke-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/stroke-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/neurology-for-the-msra/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #Stroke #Neurology