Glossary
A Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), commonly referred to as a stroke, is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or significantly reduced, depriving brain tissue of essential nutrients and oxygen. This interruption of blood flow can result from two types of obstructions: ischemic and hemorrhagic, which are the two main types of strokes. Ischemic strokes, which account for about 85% of all strokes, occur when the arteries to the brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow (ischemia). This can happen in two ways: either through a thrombotic stroke, where a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one of the arteries that supply blood to the brain, or an embolic stroke, where a blood clot or other debris forms away from the brain, usually in the heart, and is swept through the bloodstream to lodge in narrower brain arteries. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, occur when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. This can be caused by several conditions that affect the blood vessels, including uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), overtreatment with anticoagulants, and weak spots in the blood vessel walls (aneurysms).
The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can't reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should. This is why the effects of a stroke depend on where in the brain it occurs and how much of the brain is damaged. For example, someone who had a small stroke may only have minor problems such as temporary weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be permanently paralyzed on one side of their body or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability. The symptoms of a stroke often appear without warning and may include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination; or sudden severe headache with no known cause. The key to surviving a stroke and minimizing disability is to recognize the symptoms and get to a hospital immediately. Treatments for stroke include medicines to dissolve blood clots and prevent further clots from forming, surgery to repair the damage, and rehabilitation to help regain lost functions. Preventing a stroke, or a recurrent one, involves managing the underlying risk factors. This includes controlling high blood pressure, treating heart disease, stopping smoking, managing diabetes, and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
In conclusion, a Cerebrovascular Accident or stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention and treatment. It is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and the second leading global cause of death. The key to preventing strokes and minimizing their damage when they occur is to understand the risk factors, recognize the symptoms, and seek immediate medical attention.