CVA Flashcards
CVA
Also known as a “stroke” or “brain attack”
Results from inadequate blood flow to the brain
4th leading cause of death in the U.S.
CVA patho
- Permanent Brain Damage occurs within 3 to 10 minutes when deprived of oxygen
- Type of deficit that results depends on the location and size of the brain area most affected
causes of CVA
thrombosis
cerebral embolism
CVA- thrombosis
Associated with atherosclerosis and HTN
Occurs most often at bifurcations; branch of vessel
Most common cause (over half of all strokes)
Onset: gradual
May be preceded by TIA (transient ischemic attack)
plaque buildup
cerebral embolism
Emboli often arise from the heart (rheumatic heart disease with mitral stenosis; atrial fibrillation)
2nd most common cause of CVA
Middle cerebral artery most commonly involved (MCA)
traveling clot
(Ischemic strokes) both thrombotic and embolic strokes may be preceded by warning signs
majority of emboli originate in the heart due to ineffective pumping or dysrhythmias
TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack): transient neurologic dysfunction caused by temporary ischemia
Warning sign of an impending stroke
Lasts
hemorrhagic strokes
caused by rupture of blood vessel due to:
Poorly controlled HTN**, trauma, bleeding disorders
Rupture of intracranial aneurysms (abnormal dilation in a cerebral vessel); aneurysm can be congenital, traumatic, arteriosclerotic in origin and usually rupture during activity
CVA cerebral vessels most affected
Middle Cerebral Artery (most common)
Internal Carotid Artery (2nd most common)
risk factors for CVA
- African American
- Increase blood viscosity or clotting
- Certain meds/drugs
- Smoking History/Heavy ETOH Use
- Obesity
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Heart Disease
- Cardiac Disorders (Dysrhythmias, CHF, A-fib)
- Age
- Family History
- Male
- Periodontal Disease
stroke prevention
- Decrease Risk Factors
- Control blood pressure (Can reduce risk of stroke up to 30%)
- Use of blood thinners (inhibit platelet aggregation)
– ASA (aspirin)
– Persantine (Dipyridamole)
– Plavix (Clopidogrel)
– A-fib (blood thinners): Pradaxa, Xarelto, Coumadin
– Lipid Lowering Agents: Statins
CVA if there are symptoms of a TIA
Suggestive of possible impending ischemic stroke
Assess for significant occlusion of carotids
Ultrasound or Arteriogram of the carotids is done
CVA diagnostics
Carotid or Cerebral Arteriogram:
Purpose: used to identify aneurysms. Stenosis, AVMs (arteriovenous malformation)
CT: Differentiates hemorrhagic vs. non-hemorrhagic stroke; can visualize infarcted areas
MRI
ECG: determine dysrhythmias
Lumbar Puncture:
carotid endarterectomy (CEA)
Purpose: remove atherosclerotic plaque from the inner lining of artery to restore blood flow
Carries a risk of death or stroke (1-9%)
Post-op care for carotid endarterectomy (CEA)
Monitor: for hemorrhage
Monitor: for swelling (which could compromise airway)
Closely monitor neurological status:
1. LOC (level of consciousness), Mental Status
2. Pupil Checks
3. Hand Grips (muscle strength, symmetry)
4. Speech
Frequent vital sign assessment (BP management)
assessment findings of thrombotic stroke
Sx may appear over minutes to hours to days
assessment findings of hemorrhagic stroke
SX occur suddenly without warning
right side brain function
specialized in sensory-perceptual functions, awareness of body space, visual-spatial processing
left sided brain function
dominant for language in most persons
characteristics of a left CVA
Right sided hemiparesis (weakness)
Right sided hemiplegia (paralysis)
Behavior is cautious, plodding, careful
Increased language problems
characteristics of a right CVA
Left sided Hemiparesis (weakness)
Left sided Hemiplegia (paralysis)
Behavior is impatient, impulsive, lack of insight
Greater deficits in function ADL
Often have left sided (unilateral) neglect