CVA

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

A Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke, is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes, making it a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

Types of CVA

Cerebrovascular accidents can be classified into two main types:

Ischemic Stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of all cases. Ischemic strokes can be further divided into:

• Thrombotic Stroke: Caused by a blood clot (thrombus) that forms in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
• Embolic Stroke: Occurs when a blood clot or other debris forms away from the brain, commonly in the heart, and is swept through the bloodstream to lodge in narrower brain arteries.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. This can be due to conditions such as hypertension, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but more deadly. They can be classified into:

• Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs within the brain tissue itself.
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs in the area between the brain and the thin tissues covering it.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of a CVA, including:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Hyperlipidemia
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Atrial fibrillation

Symptoms

The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the part of the brain affected, but they often include:

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

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a CVA typically involves:

• CT scan: To determine if the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.
• MRI: Provides a detailed image of the brain to identify the affected area.
• Carotid ultrasound: To check for narrowing or blockages in the carotid arteries.
• Echocardiogram: To look for sources of clots in the heart.

Treatment

Treatment for a CVA depends on the type of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke Treatment

• Thrombolytics: Medications such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can dissolve clots if administered within a few hours of symptom onset.
• Antiplatelet drugs: Such as aspirin, to prevent further clotting.
• Endovascular procedures: Mechanical thrombectomy to remove the clot.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment

• Surgical intervention: To repair blood vessel abnormalities or relieve pressure on the brain.
• Medications: To control blood pressure and prevent seizures.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Controlling high blood pressure
• Managing diabetes
• Quitting smoking
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting alcohol intake

See Also

• Transient ischemic attack
• Aneurysm
• Arteriovenous malformation

References

• American Stroke Association. "Understanding Stroke." Retrieved from [1]
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "Stroke Information Page." Retrieved from [2]