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Clinical features

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The hallmark of the embolic stroke is the rapidity of onset. Typically, without warning, the patient collapses to the floor, conscious, but hemiplegic. Seizures are common. Headache and vomiting are rare.

Emboli lodged in the junction of the vertebral arteries results in brain stem infarction. Entrapment at the upper end of the basilar artery produces unilateral or bilateral visual disturbance.

Look for:

  • visual loss - permanent or transient eg. amaurosis fugax
  • hemisensory and hemimotor disturbance
  • disturbance of higher function eg. dysphasia
  • focal or generalised seizures
  • aortic emboli may involve both hemispheres and produce bilateral signs
  • more precise effects depend upon the area occluded

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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