cerebrovascular accidents
Start with the big picture
The lesson follows stroke care from initial classification through acute management and prevention. For ischemic stroke, it covers eligibility and contraindications for IV alteplase, the role of mechanical thrombectomy in selected large-vessel occlusions, and blood-pressure management when thrombolysis is or is not used. It also introduces antiplatelet treatment, anticoagulation for cardioembolic stroke, statin therapy, and control of modifiable risk factors. The hemorrhagic-stroke section focuses on reversing anticoagulants, managing blood pressure in intracerebral hemorrhage, and using nimodipine in subarachnoid hemorrhage. Together, these topics show why treatment choices depend on stroke type, timing, imaging, bleeding risk, and the patient’s clinical context.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke using the initial imaging approach described.
- Summarize key alteplase eligibility considerations and safety checks.
- Describe treatment pathways for antiplatelet and cardioembolic stroke prevention.
- Identify major pharmacologic approaches to hemorrhagic stroke management.
- Recognize risk-factor control strategies used to reduce recurrent stroke risk.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
