cerebrovascular accident

cerebrovascular accident

n. Abbr. CVA

See stroke.

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cerebrovascular accident, cerebrovascular insult (CVI),

an abnormal condition of the brain characterized by occlusion by an embolus, thrombus, or cerebrovascular hemorrhage or vasospasm, resulting in ischemia of the brain tissues normally perfused by the damaged vessels. The sequelae of a cerebrovascular insult depend on the location and extent of ischemia. Paralysis, weakness, sensory change, speech defect, aphasia, or death may occur. Symptoms remit somewhat after the first few days as brain swelling subsides. In the United States, 80% of cerebrovascular incidents are ischemic and 20% are hemorrhagic. Also called brain attack, cerebrovascular accident, stroke.

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accident,

n 1. an unusual, unforeseen event.
n 2. an unusual or unexpected result attending the performance of a usual or necessary act or event.
n 3. occurring without intent or happening by chance. The term does not have a precise legal definition but is generally used to indicate that an occurrence was not the result of negligence.

accident, cerebrovascular (CVA)

(stroke)
n apoplexy resulting from hemorrhage into the brain or occlusion of the cerebral vessels from an embolism or thrombosis. It can result in paralysis (mainly one side), speech difficulties, and difficulty in maintaining personal hygiene, including oral care.

accident, unavoidable,

n an accident not occasioned, either remotely or directly, by the want of such care or skill as the law holds every person bound to exercise; occurring without fault or negligence.

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cerebrovascular

pertaining to the blood vessels of the cerebrum or brain.

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cerebrovascular accident

cerebral vascular accident. See also brain hemorrhage, brain hematoma.

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cerebrovascular accident

Stroke, cerebral hemorrhage Neurology Sudden death of brain cells due to ↓ O₂ 2º to vascular obstruction or ruptured cerebral artery Clinical Abrupt unilateral weakness, paralysis Diagnosis CT, MRI Prevention Control HTN, DM Prevention Carotid endarterectomy ↓ risk of future stroke; in asymptomatic Pts with stenosed carotids; CVA risk ↓ with aspirin and ticlopidine–Ticlid^™, which have antiplatelet activity. See Stroke, Transient ishemic attack.

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Patient discussion about cerebrovascular accident.

Q. Why does it take so long to talk!!! I had a stroke Dec 17, 2006. My left side of brain was effected. So my right hand and right leg is hard to use. I have a brain aneurysm, that is not operable. Why can't I talk normally,in person and over the phone so people can understand me.

A. I am sorry to hear about your stroke and wish you a fast recovery.
Here is an article I found which discusses the problem to talk normally after a stroke:
http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSAFactSheet_Cognition.pdf?docID=986

Q. Migraine stroke Hi, I'm 58 years-old male and I have migraines with aura since age 14. Two weeks ago, I felt weakness in the left side of my body, and at the hospital the doctors told me I had a stroke. I underwent several tests, but they still don't know the cause for the stroke (my lab tests are normal; I don't have diabetes or hypertension). My neurologist said that although it's very rare, he thinks that my stroke was caused by my migraine. I tried to find information about it, but couldn't find much – do you know where I can get some more info? Thanks!

A. I was sorry to hear about your stroke. I hope you feel better now. I tried to search the net and found several links you may find intresting:

http://headaches.about.com/od/migrainediseas1/a/mx_stroke_risk.htm

http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=3578&channel_id=7&relation_id=24636

I hope you'll find them helpfull

best wishes!

Q. What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Stroke? My father had a stroke recently, at the age of 73. What are the risk factors for developing this?

A. Primary risk factors include:

1) smoking
2) excessive alcohol intake
3) uncontrolled high blood pressure
4) high cholesterol
5) overweight/unhealthy diet
6) illegal drugs/abuse of Rx drugs
7) known or unknown heart problems
8) diabetes
9) known or unknown vascular brain defects - aneurysm, etc.
10)family history of stroke