Case scenario: A 65 year-old African-American female presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of unilateral weakness, loss of vision in one eye (hemianopia), language disturbance (aphasia), and sudden loss of balance (ataxia).
The patient has a known history of hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels. For twelve hours prior to the onset of symptoms she had been complaining of a nagging persistent headache.
What diagnostic studies are indicated (4 pts.)?
How might the results of these studies lead to a particular diagnosis (4 pts)?
What condition is occurring (4 pts)?
What risk factors did the patient have for this condition (4 pts)?
Which were modifiable? Not modifiable (4 pts)?