CVA: Cerebrovascular Accident

The stroke, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), cerebrovascular insult (CVI), or colloquially and most commonly brain attack is characterized by a lesion of one part of the brain as a result of the obstruction of a vessel (accident or ischemic cerebral infarction) or by the rupture of a blood vessel and the accumulation of a blood bag (haemorrhagic accident or cerebral hemorrhage).  Approximately 85 % of CVA are of ischemic origin and 15 per cent of haemorrhagic origin.

Approximately 60 per cent of people who have had a stroke retain a certain form of disability: paralysis (in 30 % of cases), sensory loss, (memory, elocution or view disorders), depression or other types of mental disorders. There may be serious consequences for the patient and his entourage as well.

What is TIA?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a lightweight form of CVA caused by the temporary interruption of the blood flow in one part of the brain. In the case of TIA, the symptoms last for less than an hour and cause a temporary loss of vision, body weakness as well as a difficulty in speaking. The TIA is a little more common among men than among women. The risk of occurrence of CVA as a result of TIA is high (up to 10 per cent of the cases in the week following the TIA).  Of this fact, as CVA, the TIA is a medical emergency.

What are the factors favoring the occurrence of CVA or TIA?

The age. The risk of CVA or TIA increased with age.
The heredity. The risk of stroke or of TIA is higher if a parent has had a stroke before the age of 65 years.
The history of CVA or TIA. It is estimated that 30 per cent of people who have had a stroke or TIA will experience another CVA in the five years.
The uncontrolled hypertension by treatments.
Certain heart diseases, as the atrial fibrillation, promote the formation of blood clots.
The tobacco.
Diabetes not controlled by treatment.
The excess of cholesterol.
The absence of regular physical activity.
The high consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The addiction of certain drugs, for example during several years of hormonal treatment of menopause.

The prevention of CVA and their relapse is to apply the rules that are intended to prevent hypertension and the excess of cholesterol in the blood, balanced diet, maintenance of regular physical activity, tobacco cessation and reduction of consumption of alcoholic beverages.

What are the symptoms of CVA and the TIA?

The symptoms of CVA and TIA are manifested suddenly and do the previous accidents in a few minutes or a few hours. It is important to know that in order to quickly benefit from a treatment:

Sudden appearance of a difficulty to express, speak or understand others (Aphasia);
Paralysis or numbness suddenly to one side of the side of an arm or leg (Hemiplegia) or Paresthesia;
Sudden loss of view (often in only one eye) or vision split(Dizziness);
Loss of balance or coordination of movements(Hemiparesis);
Sudden and violent headache, without apparent cause.

The intensity of symptoms observed during CVA does not allow to predict the intensity of possible sequel. CVA that results severe and varied symptoms may leave just little of sequel.

How can we heal a CVA?

In case of CVA, the immediate treatment are intended to dissolve the clot or to prevent it from growing. The long-term treatment of the CVA prevent the emergence of new blood clots. These are essentially of antiplatelet drugs and oral anticoagulant medications, as well, The use of heparin and warfarin or aspirin medications may be warranted..

In addition, the medications are prescribed to treat a possible arterial hypertension, an excess of cholesterol or diabetes. Finally, advice of hygiene of life and diet should be followed.