Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) also called brain stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage or rupture of blood vessels depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This disruption can lead to damage or death of brain cells, resulting in loss of brain function.
Types
- Ischemic Stroke is caused by blood clot blocking blood vessel in the brain, accounting for about 85% of strokes.
- Haemorrhagic Stroke is caused by blood vessel breakage, leading to bleeding in or around the brain.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often called a mini stroke, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, typically lasting a few minutes but serving as a warning sign for a future stroke.
Causes and Risk Factors
- High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension increases stroke risk.
- Heart Diseases. Atrial fibrillation and other heart diseases can cause blood clots that lead to stroke.
- Smoking causes damage to the blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
- Personal or Family History of Stroke or TIA.
- Age
- Race and Ethnicity especially African Americans
- Alcohol and Illegal drug use
- Inactivity
- High Cholesterol
- Unhealthy Diet
- Obesity
Symptoms
This often happens suddenly. Symptoms include;
- Sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg).
- Confusion, difficulty in speaking or understanding speech.
- Sudden vision problem in one or both eyes.
- Dizziness or loss of balance, difficulty in walking or maintaining coordination.
- Severe headache with no known cause, potentially accompanied by vomiting.
This causes some effects such as:
- Physical impairments which result in paralysis or weakness, often on one side of the body.
- Cognitive challenges such as memory loss, difficulty thinking, and trouble with communication.
- Emotional effects such as depression, anxiety, and changes in behaviour or personality.
- Long-term disability
Diagnosis
- Physical Examination, medical history and neurological examination.
- Imaging Tests such as CT scan, MRI, or Angiography.
- Blood Tests
Treatment
- Acute treatments for ischemic stroke are usually medicines such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a medicine to dissolve the blood clot.
- Surgery
- Radiation to shrink the blood vessels if caused by arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
- Rehabilitation involving physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Prevention
- Control blood pressure
- Manage diabetes
- Quit smoking
- Healthy diet and exercise
- Avoid/Limit alcohol
- Monitor heart health
- Regular Check-Ups
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors, individuals can reduce the risk of stroke.