Cerebrovascular Accident

Cerebrovascular accident is a very serious condition in which the brain

is not receiving enough oxygen to function properly. A cerebrovascular
accident is also called CVA, brain attack, cerebral infarction or stroke.

The brain requires a steady supply of oxygen in order to pump blood

effectively to all of the body. Oxygen is supplied to the brain in the blood that
flows through arteries. In a cerebrovascular accident, one or more of these
arteries becomes blocked or ruptures or begins to leak. This deprives a
portion of the brain of vital oxygen-rich blood. This damage can become
permanent within minutes and result in the death of the affected brain tissue.
This is called cerebral necrosis.

There are two types of cerebrovascular accidents. An ischemic

cerebrovascular accident occurs when a brain artery has been blocked,
usually associated with cocoaine use. A hemorrhagic cerebrovascular
accident occurs when an artery ruptures or leaks.

CAUSES

Thrombosis. The most common cause of CVA. The most common cause of
cerebral thrombosis is atherosclerosis, usually affecting elderly persons.
Tends to occur during sleep or soon after arising. This may also occur to
client with diabetes mellitus.

Embolism. The second most common cause of CVA. Most commonly

affecting the young people. Most commonly caused by rheumatic heart
disease and myocardial infarction. Symptoms occur at any time and
progresses rapidly.

Hemorrhage May be due to hypertension, subarachnoid hemorrhage,

rupture of aneurysm.

Transient Ischemic Attacks

Refers to transient cerebral ischemia with temporary episodes of neurologic
dysfunction. Manifestations include contralateral weakness of the lower
portion of the face, fingers, hands arms and legs, transient dysphagia.
Risk factors for a cerebrovascular accident include a
having hypertension, heart disease, diabetes,high cholesterol and obesity.
Other risk factors include being of African-American ancestry, being male,
drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, smoking and having a family history
of heart diseaseor cerebrovascular accident. Having a brain aneurysm puts a
person at an extreme risk for a hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident.

Stroke symptoms: There are various causes of stroke-like symptoms

including stroke, transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) and several other
serious conditions.

Cerebrovascular accident: Symptoms

Symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident differ depending on a variety of
factors, including the cause and the type and size of the area of the brain
that is affected. In some cases, symptoms may be mild and only
include weakness, dizziness or headache. Symptoms such as these may also
be warning symptoms of an impending cerebrovascular accident.

Cerebrovascular accident: Treatments

The most effective cerebrovascular accident treatment plan uses a
multifaceted approach. This includes preventive care aimed at minimizing
the risk factors for having a cerebrovascular accident or a recurrent
cerebrovascular accident. Preventive measures include regular medical care
to monitor and address such risk factors as high cholesterol.
WARD CLASS
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT

SUBMITTED BY:
SHARADE L. LOZADA
BSN IV SWANSON