some mnemonics

[Asclepius1]

Lacunar infarct: "Lacunar" from the Latin for G-A-P or- D-I-S-P-A-R-I-T-Y

G-deep Gray matter: basal ganglia
A-Atherosclerosis
P-hyPertension

D-Dysarthria and a contralateral clumsy hand or arm due to infarction in the base of the pons or in the genu
of the internal capsule. (20%)
I-Internal Capsule: Lacunae in the posterior limb of the Internal capsule may cause pure motor hemiplegia
involving the face, arm, leg, foot. (60%)
S-Subcortical, capsular, or thalamic lacunae
P-Pontine lesions
A-Ataxic hemiparesis due to an infarct in the base of the pons
R-Rare: Lacunae in the anterior limb of the Internal capsule may cause severe dysarthria with facial weakness.
I-Ipsilateral ataxia (arm/leg) with leg weakness: Pontine lesion (rare)
T-Thalamus: Lacunae in the Thalamus may cause pure sensory stroke (10%)
y-V-Ventrolateral Thalamic lacunae


Anterior cerebral artery (A*C*A) occlusion:

*C*-Contralateral Crural (leg) monoplegia
*C*-Crest of Cerebral hemispheres and medial hemispheric walls represent the leg area of the motor strip


Middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion: "Difficulty with A-B-Cs in M-C-A"

A-Apraxia
B-Blindness in corresponding half of the visual field (contralateral homonymous hemianopsia)
C-Contralateral Clumsiness of arm, face. -- Leg is somewhat spared.

M-Memorization difficulties
C-Calculation difficulties
A-Aphasia with language-dominant hemispheral involvement.

Posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusion: P-O-S-T

P-Proximal fling movements
O-Occipital lobe infarction results in contralateral homonymous hemianopsia which may be complete
S-Speech and Spelling maintained, but unable to read fluently
T-Thalamic syndrome

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A well-known mnemonic regarding occlusion of the vertebral-basilar circulation: 4D

-Dizziness
-Diplopia
-Dysarthria
-Dysphagia

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Types of Stroke

Stroke "H-I-T" you!

H-Hemorrhagic
I-Ischemic
T-TIA (Transient Ischemia Attack)

T.I.A (Transient Ischemic attack)

Patients often describe it as a shade being pulled over their eyes: S-H-A-D-E-D

S-Sensory loss; TIA may herald a stroke
H-Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia
A-Amaurosis fugax (transient monocular blindness)
D-DDx: seizures, neoplasms, migraine, vertigo
E-Extrinsic factor is monitored for warfarin administration; E-Endarterectomy
D-Diabetes

Root values of reflexes are 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 - S1-2 ankle, L3-4 knee, C5-6 biceps/supinator, C7-8 triceps.

Argyle Robertson Pupil
• Accomodation Reflex Present - Pupillary Reflex Absent.

[CherylW]

Yes! Thank you! These mnemonics were really helpful.