The nervous system - vascular disorders - ch 12

Question 1

Give the definition of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Answer 1

A cerebrovascular accident is more commonly known as a stroke. It is a general term to indicate disruption of blood supply to a part of the brain causing cells to die.

Question 2

Name 3 causes of CVA?

Answer 2

1. Cerebral embolus - a blockage to a cerebral artery or by atherosclerosis in the carotid or cerebral arteries.
2. Cerebral thrombus - Vessels can become occluded by a thrombus or an embolus resulting in ischaemia
3. Cerebral haemorrhage - A ruptured cerebral artery or aneurysm causing a haemorrhage, usually due to uncontrolled hypertension.

Question 3

Give the definition of a migrain?

Answer 3

A migrain is a vascular headache, usually temporal and unilateral in onset.

Question 4

Name 5 symptoms of a migrain?

Answer 4

1. incapacitating, pulsating headache associated with severe pain.
2. nausea
3. vomiting
4. photophobia (intolerance to light)
5. phonophobia (intolerance to ones own voice)

Question 5

Describe how a migrain attacks?

Answer 5

Migrain attack begin with spasm of blood vessels and reduced blood flow followed by dilation of the cranial arteries. Migraines are often familial in nature and periodic in attack.

Question 6

Give the definition of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)?

Answer 6

Known as mini-stroke or TIA. Unlike a full stroke, a TIA is fully reversible and typically lasts for only a few hours.

Question 7

Describe a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

Answer 7

Clinically, it is an episode of cerebrovascular insufficiency as a result of atherosclerotic plaque or a partial embolic blockage of a cerebral artery.

Question 8

Name the symptom of a transient iscahemic attack (TIA)

Answer 8

1. A loss of function in the area of the body that is controlled by the portion of the brain affected. Symptoms will vary depending on the degree of occlusion.