Middle cerebral artery thrombosis (not conclusive). List all Amelia's risk factors that could have contributed to her current presentation. For TWO of these risk factors, with reference to relevant anatomical structures, describe the associated pathophysiological mechanisms and how they led to Amelia's presentation, stating the relevant information from the case scenario. Word limit: 200 words
Amelia Frankish is 67 years old.
She presented to her GP last week, complaining of a very strong headache, followed by dizziness. The symptoms had resolved by the time she could see the GP, who was concerned enough to request a CT (computerised tomography) of Amelia's head and neck.
medical history:
Diabetes mellitus Type 2:
Management:
- metformin 1000mg, daily
- enalapril 10 mg daily
- rosuvastatin 10mg, daily
Atrial fibrillation (AF)
Management:
- apixaban 2.5 mg, BD
- sotalol 40 mg, BD
Cigarette smoking: 20 - 30 cigarettes/day, quit 5 years ago.
GP diagnosis - one week ago.
Amelia underwent a CT scan of the head and neck, but the results were normal.
Amelia was assessed as requiring changes to her hypertension & AF management and the following changes made:
- enalapril ceased
the following medications commenced or changed;
- irbesartan/ hydrochlorothiazide 300/25, daily
- amlodipine 5mg, daily
- apixaban 5mg, BD.
Today:
Amelia woke early this morning at 0600 hours with a 5/10 headache. At 0700 hours she began to feel weak in her limbs, and her headache increased to 7/10. One side of her face began to "feel strange". She was able to call her neighbour, who brought her to hospital.
Triage:
Time is now 0800.
Vital signs:
- RR: 18 bpm
- SpO2: 98%
- BP: 180/92 mmHg (MAP 121 mmHg)
- HR: 98 bpm
- Temp: 37oC
Pain assessment:
- Provoking/palliating: pain is worse when Joyce moves her head suddenly, nothing seems to relieve the pain
- Quality: the pain feels like extreme pressure on the left side of her head
- Region/radiation: the pain is confined to her head
- Severity: 9/10
- Timing: first pain onset was about 2 hours ago
Neurological assessment:
- GCS: 15
- Pupils: PERRLA
ROSIER (Recognition of stroke in the emergency room) Scale
- Loss of consciousness or syncope: NO
- Seizure activity: NO
- Asymmetric facial weakness: YES
- Asymmetric arm weakness: YES (right upper limb paralysis - unable to respond to movement request)
- Asymmetric leg weakness: YES (right lower limb paresis – mild weakness)
- Speech disturbance: YES (some slurring of words (dysarthria) is noted)
- Visual field deficit: NO
Other:
Limb sensation: right upper limb anaesthesia; right lower limb - paraesthesia (tingling feeling).
Amelia appears pale and anxious.
She has not had her medications today.
Investigation data after Triage:
Cardiovascular assessment
An ElectroCardioGram (ECG) is undertaken which shows normal sinus rhythm.
Blood tests are ordered including full blood count (FBC), urea & electrolytes (U&Es), liver function tests (LFTs), coagulation studies (COAGs) including Anti-Xa levels.
Blood Glucose Level (BGL): peripheral 9.8 mmol/L (Amelia reports not having eaten since yesterday, nor has she had her medications today)
Computerised Tomography report
Exam Information
Modality: CT
Body Part: NEURO
Description: CT Brain
Performed Date: 25/3/Year Time: 0830
Final Report
CT BRAIN
CLINICAL NOTES:
Patient presents with severe headache, dysarthria, limb anaesthesia, paresis, and paralysis. CT 7 days ago - no adverse findings
Findings:
A non- contrast CT has been acquired.
Nil intracranial haemorrhage noted.
Complete occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery noted.
IMPRESSION:
Middle cerebral artery thrombosis (not conclusive).
- List all Amelia's risk factors that could have contributed to her current presentation.
For TWO of these risk factors, with reference to relevant anatomical structures, describe the associated pathophysiological mechanisms and how they led to Amelia's presentation, stating the relevant information from the case scenario.
Word limit: 200 words
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