A Case of Cerebrovascular Accident Essay

Cerebral vascular accident or a stroke is the destruction of brain substance, resulting from thrombosis, intracranial hemorrhage, or embolism, which causes vascular insufficiency. In addition, it is an area of the brain denied blood and oxygen that is required and damage is done to a part of the cells. The effect of the patient depends upon where the damage occurs and the severity of the stroke.

Strokes are caused by a block in the blood supply to the brain which causes a decrease in oxygen and delivery of other important supplies which facilitate proper functioning. Fifteen million cases are reported worldwide annually, although not all of these cases are mortalities, the large prevalence of strokes ranks it as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. (Figueroa) Because of the time sensitivity associated with the lack of resources to the brain, strokes are considered a medical emergency and early recognition of symptoms can help decrease the amount of damage caused . Although strokes do not always cause death, strokes most often leave the individual with some physical and cognitive impairment.

Ischemic stroke is the blockage of blood vessels in the brain as a result of blood clots (thrombi), causing the portions of the brain nourished by the vessel and its tributaries to be starved of nutrients, poisoned, and to eventually die (“Symptoms

A stroke can be generally be defined in two types of categories. The first and most common type of stroke is called ischemic stroke. This occurs when a blood clot (cerebral thrombosis) blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Blood flow beyond the blood clot is then

Cerebral vascular accidents are also known as strokes. Strokes can cause minimal to severe brain damage which can affect a person’s quality of life. This paper covers the definition, signs and symptoms, treatments, causes, prevention and what a nursing assistant can do to help someone recovering from a stroke.

The risk factors for stroke can be classified into non-modifiable and modifiable. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, family history, prior stroke, gender, and race. Whereas modifiable risk factors are hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, cigarette smoking, obesity, valvular heart disease, alcohol abuse, and physical inactivity (Basharat et al., 2012).

stroke is an acute episode of focal dysfunction of the brain, retina, or spinal cord lasting longer than 24 h, or of any duration if imaging (CT or MRI) or autopsy show focal infarction or haemorrhage relevant to the symptoms ,which is a leading cause of death and long term disability worldwide. It results from transient or permanent disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to necrotic death of the brain tissue supplied by the affected artery. It activates an inflammatory condition in the affected area, marked by infiltration of inflammatory cells. Inflammation can induce an apoptotic cell death in the transition region between necrotic and normal tissue, so called penumbra, for a fairly prolonged period of time.[1].

Cerebrovascular Accident- condition in which brain tissue is deprived of blood supply.  The most common stroke symptoms are:

Risk factors for having a stroke is often related to underlying diseases or disorders. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart disorders, diabetes, prior stroke, and sickle cell disease are risk factors for a stroke (CDC, 2017b). Lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco, and too much alcohol can also increase the risk for having a stroke (CDC, 2017a). Genes passed on from family members, genetic disorders, age, sex, race, and ethnicity can also increase the risk for stroke (CDC, 2016b).

Conversely, TIAs occur when blood flow to the brain is reduced for a short period of time. Therefore, a TIA resolves, leaving no noticeable symptoms or disabilities. This temporary blockage is typically caused by a spasm of a brain artery, causing it to narrow. However, it is also common for this blockage to be cause by a small blood clot in an artery.

Stroke is a part of a cardiovascular disease that occurs when the supply of blood or oxygen to the brain is disrupted by a blockage in the artery or when there is usually a trauma that causes spontaneous bleeding in the brain (Duncan, Zorowitz & Lambert, 2005).

Body functions affected with an ischemic stroke are dependent on the brain artery of the vascular deprivation and the area injured in the brain. The amount of blood flow and length of time determine how much damage occurs. By understanding neural and vascular pathways as well as reactive healing can help healthcare workers be prepared for expectations, limitations, and treatments for damage caused by ischemic

A stroke occurs when there is a sudden decrease in blood flow to a localized area in the brain (Trakalo, 2015, p.1234). This can occur in different ways such as a thrombus, an embolus, a stenosis, or a hemorrhage - all of which can cause devastating neurological effects depending on the extent of ischemia and necrosis resulting from the decreased oxygen carried by the blood.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessels in the brain leaks or ruptures. Bleeding from the ruptured brain artery can either go into the substance of the brain or into the various spaces surrounding the brain. The two types of hemorrhagic stroke are Intracerebral and Subarachnoid hemorrhagic.

What is a stroke and how is it related to the aging brain? A stroke happens when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted or it is reduced, depriving the brain tissues of oxygen and food (Bendheim, P.E. (2009). Within minutes of a stroke brain cells begin to die. Early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications. A stroke can cause temporary or permanent disabilities, depending on how long the brain suffers the lack of blood flow (Perlmutter, David. (2004). Some complications after a stroke are; paralyzation (loss of muscle movement), memory loss, and trouble talking. Paralyzation is due to the lack of blood flow to the brain, a patient can lose movement in one side of the body. Stroke can damage too many parts of the brain, and it can start an early brain aging. A stroke can cause a patient to loss control over the way muscles in the mouth move, have difficult talking and eating (Bendheim, P.E. (2009). But one can try to prevent a stroke by taking care of their high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.