Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

-stroke

Types of strokeThere are two main types of stroke-

Ischemic stroke: is due to the direct blockage of blood flow through the cerebral arteries.

Hemorrhagic stroke: is a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, causing increased pressure in the brain and subsequent brain damage.

Ischemic stroke

The blockage of blood flow through the cerebral arteries can be due to-

Thrombosis: where a clot forms at the site of blockage OR

Embolus: where the clot forms in a remote area and then travels to the site of blockage

Transient Ischemic stroke (TIA)

In some patients, normal body processes will break up a blood clot in the brain.

When stroke symptoms go away on their own in less than 24 hours, the event is called a transient ischemic stroke.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Hemiparesis- sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body

Hemiplegia- loss of movement and sensation on one side of the body

Left Hemisphere

If the left cerebral hemisphere has been affected by a stroke the patient may have a speech disorder called- APHASIA

Some patients will be able to understand the question but cannot produce the right sounds so as to provide an answer

Some patients will have trouble understanding speech but be able to speak clearly.Example: Question “What day is it today?” In

response the patient may say “Green”

Aphasia

Receptive aphasia- Difficulty understanding others

Expressive aphasia- Difficulty expressing thoughts or inability to speak

Right Hemisphere

Usually patients will be able to understand language and be able to speak, but their words may be slurred and hard to understand.Dysarthria- Slurred speech

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Because of long-term high blood pressure blood vessels in the brain weaken.

If a vessel ruptures, the bleeding in the brain will increase pressure inside the cranium.

Aneurysm

Aneurysm- is a swelling or enlargement of part of an artery resulting from weakening of the arterial wall.

A common symptom of an aneurysm is sudden onset of CEPHALALGIACephalalgia- severe headache

Treatment for Stroke

Thrombolytic therapy may reverse stroke symptoms or stop the stroke if given within 2-3 hours of the onset of symptoms

These therapies cannot be given to patients with hemorrhagic strokes.