A strong but slow pulse could indicate what condition?

A strong but slow pulse can indicate conditions such as a skull fracture or a stroke due to the effects these conditions have on the central nervous system and blood flow. When a stroke occurs, it can disrupt normal neurological function, including the regulation of heart rate. A strong pulse could be a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased cerebral perfusion, signaling that the body is trying to maintain blood flow to critical areas. In the case of a skull fracture, particularly those that lead to increased intracranial pressure, the body may react similarly, leading to an atypical pulse presentation.

When evaluating other conditions, heart attacks typically present with a rapid pulse due to the heart struggling to pump blood effectively, while heat exhaustion usually results in a weak pulse rather than a strong one. Shock also generally results in a weak and rapid pulse as the body responds to decreased blood volume or perfusion. Thus, the unique characteristics of the pulse in relation to neurological events help to identify strong but slow pulse as an indicator of skull fractures or strokes.