Answer
A cerebrovascular accident or stroke is caused by impairment of the blood supply to brain tissue. Some causes:
1. Clots that form outside the heart and travel to brain
2. Narrowed blood vessels that are due to atherosclerosis
3. Ischemia due to compression of the brain because of edema or disease.
Some consequences include:
Paralysis on one side ( hemiplegia); sensory deficits. difficulties in speaking or understanding
speech
Work Step by Step
CVAs or strokes are due to loss of circulation to certain areas of the brain. The ischemia that results causes death of neurons due to hypoxia and loss of nutrients.
If the blockage of the blood supply is limited and brief ( 5-50 mins,) it is called a TIA or transient ischemic attack.
A large CVA may result in partial paralysis. A more limited one may cause numbness, mild regional paralysis, impaired speech, sensory deficit, and difficulties in understanding speech.
