Mr. Hall, a 65-year-old male patient is admitted to the ICU through the ER with right-sided weakness and slurred speech. He has a history of hypertension & type 2 diabetes. He also reports a long history of smoking at least a pack of cigarettes each day. The CT scan from the ER visit shows an intracranial hemorrhage. 1. What is the most likely cause of the hemorrhagic stroke? 2. Describe the risk factors for both hemorrhagic & ischemic stroke. 3. Discuss the most likely area of the brain affected by the stroke. 4. Discuss this patient’s short and long-term plan of care & prognosis.
The hemorrhagic stroke
Full Answer Section
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- Atherosclerosis
- Atrial fibrillation
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Family history of stroke
- The most likely area of the brain affected by the stroke is the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. The right MCA supplies blood to the right frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. A stroke in the right MCA territory can cause weakness on the left side of the body, aphasia (difficulty with language), and spatial neglect.
- Short-term plan of care:
- Stabilization of vital signs and airway
- Intravenous fluids and blood pressure control
- Neurosurgical consultation to assess for surgical intervention
- Monitoring for neurological changes Long-term plan of care:
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy to help the patient regain strength and function
- Speech therapy to help the patient with aphasia
- Cognitive rehabilitation to help the patient with spatial neglect and other cognitive deficits
- Medical management of risk factors for stroke, such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol Prognosis: The prognosis for hemorrhagic stroke is generally worse than for ischemic stroke. This is because hemorrhagic strokes are more likely to be severe and to cause significant brain damage. However, the prognosis for each individual patient will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the stroke, the location of the stroke, and the patient's overall health.
Additional Notes
- Smoking is a risk factor for both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.
- This patient's age is also a risk factor for stroke.
- It is important to note that this is just a general overview of the patient's case and prognosis. A more specific plan of care and prognosis can be developed once the patient has been evaluated by a neurologist.
Sample Answer
- The most likely cause of the hemorrhagic stroke in this patient is hypertension. Hypertension is the leading risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke, accounting for about 80% of cases. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the brain, making them more likely to rupture.
- Risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke:
- Hypertension
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)
- Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Moyamoya disease
- Head injury
- Blood thinners
- Alcohol abuse
- Cocaine use
- Pregnancy Risk factors for ischemic stroke:
- Hypertension