Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

A cerebrovascular accident, also known as a stroke, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients. This can cause damage to the brain tissue, leading to a range of symptoms and potentially long-term disability.

Types of CVA

• Ischemic stroke: occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked, reducing blood flow to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of all strokes.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding into the surrounding tissue. This type of stroke accounts for about 13% of all strokes.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): also known as a "mini-stroke," this is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain that does not cause permanent damage.

Causes and Risk Factors

The causes and risk factors for CVA include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• High cholesterol
• Family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease
• Age (risk increases with age)

Symptoms

The symptoms of CVA can vary depending on the location and severity of the damage, but common symptoms include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg
• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of CVA is typically made using a combination of:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Blood tests to check for underlying conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol

Treatment

Treatment for CVA depends on the type and severity of the stroke, but may include:

• Medications to dissolve blood clots (thrombolytics) or prevent further clotting (anticoagulants)
• Surgery to remove blood clots or repair damaged blood vessels
• Rehabilitation therapy to help regain lost functions and abilities

Complications

Complications of CVA can include:

• Permanent brain damage or disability
• Speech, language, or cognitive impairment
• Weakness or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg
• Difficulty with swallowing or eating
• Emotional changes such as depression or anxiety

Prevention

Prevention of CVA involves managing underlying risk factors and making lifestyle changes, including:

• Controlling high blood pressure through medication and lifestyle changes
• Managing diabetes through medication and lifestyle changes
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
• Getting regular physical activity
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet