Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Question 1

Cerebrovascular Accident

CVA

stroke

Answer 1

CVA = also called STROKE and refers to a sudden or gradual onset of neurological symptoms resulting from disruption of the blood suppy to the brain.

1. Thrombosis: blockages of an artery by a blood clot
2. Embolism: sudden blockage of an artery by material from another part of the bloodstream
3. Hemorrhage: bleeding

Major risk factors for stroke are hypertension and atherosclerosis (thinkening of the lining of the arterial walls).

Other factors that increase stroke risk: atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, smoking, age over 60.

Question 2

Strokes

Answer 2

Symptoms of stroke depend on the Location and the Extent of the Damage.

Location: middle, anterior or posterior cerebral artery, but common symptoms include contralateral hemiplegia, contralateral hemianesthesia of the face, arm, and leg; contralateral visual field loss (homonymous hemianopia).

dominant hemisphere damage: aphasia, ideomotor apraxia,

non-dominant hemisphere damage: contralateral neglect and dressing apraxia.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common: depression in up to 40% (some immediately and some months later). Also anxiety, mania, apathy, pathological cryting/laughter, psychosis and dementia.

Question 3

Middle CAB

Posterior CAB

Anterior Cerebral Artery Block (CAB)

Answer 3

Cerebral Arterial Blockages:

1. Middle: can’t move opposite side or feel it, or see in opposite visual field, apahsia, apraxia and sensory neglect.
2. Posterior: can’t see in opposite visual field, memory loss, cortical blindness, visual agnosia (VISUAL).
3. Anterior: can’t move opposite side, gait aprazia, apathy, depression, confusion, poor judgement and insight, bowel and bladder incontinence, and mutism (more executive functions/emotions).