Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or Stroke

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is also referred to as a stroke.
The brain requires a steady supply of oxygen in order to pump blood effectively to all of the body.
The sudden death of some brain cells due to lack of oxygen when the blood flow to the brain is impaired by blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain. A stroke is a condition where a blood clot or ruptured artery or blood vessel interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain.

 Signs and symptoms
 
Mild symptoms of CVA or stroke

• Weakness
• Dizziness 
• Headache

Severe symptoms of CVA or stroke

• Numbness
• Paralysis of the face, leg or arm, or entire side of the body. 
• Loss of consciousness
• Facial drooping,
• Slurred speech
• Aphasia
• Confusion
• Impaired breathing or swallowing
• Slurring speech
• Blurred, blackened, or double vision
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Nausea and vomiting

A possible sign that a stroke is about to occur is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) - a temporary interruption in blood flow to part of the brain. Symptoms of TIA are similar to stroke but last for a shorter time period and do not leave noticeable permanent damage.

Diagnosis

• Physical assessment 
• Ultrasound 
• ArteriographyComputerized tomography (CT) scan 
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI
• CT and MRI with angiography 
• Echocardiography

Treatment of a stroke

• Anticoagulants (prophylaxis) to minimize blood clotting have value in some patients. 
• Controlling the glucose level may minimize the size of a stroke. 
• Drugs that can dissolve blood clots may be useful in stroke treatment. (Streptokinase)
• Blood clot-busting drugs such as aspirin, heparin, or tissue plasminogen activators that must be administered within three hours of the stroke.
• Oxygen is given as needed. 
• Surgical procedures may be performed that can open up or widen arteries (carotid endarterectomy and angioplasty)

How to prevent Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke

• Maintaining blood pressure within normal level
• Have a routine check up and laboratory tests
• Do not smoke
• Avoid foods high in cholesterol, sodium, and fat.
• Following a healthy diet
• Drinking alcohol occasionally (moderate amount)
• Monitoring blood glucose level
• Exercising regularly
• Avoid or managing stress
• Free from prohibited drugs
• Taking preventive medications such as anti-platelet and anticoagulant drugs to prevent blood clots
• Take maintenance medication regularly
• Healthy lifestyle