Stroke: Cerebral Vascular Accident

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.

Mariam background is 60 year old lady admitted with left sided weakness and facial droop. Once confirmed stroke using the Recognition of Stroke in the Emergency Room (ROSIER) scale. Catangui (2015) states ROSIER scale is used to distinguish whether the patient is having a stroke or stroke mimics e.g. seizures or brain tumours. Computed tomography CT brain showed ischemic stroke. Ischaemic stroke is lack of sufficient blood supply to perfuse the brain/ cerebral tissue due to narrowing or blocked arteries in the brain (Morrison, 2014). According to Stroke Association (2015) statics shows that 1520000 strokes occur in the United Kingdom.

. Define the term collateral blood flow, and describe how this and other factors affect the development of stroke.

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.

Strokes are caused by pathophysiological changes. The two major mechanisms of stroke consist of ischemia and haemorrhage. Ischemia is when there is no oxygen or not, merely enough oxygen to fuel the tissue level in the body. Haemorrhage in the brain, causing strokes can be due to non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage (Shah, MD, n.d.) (see appendix 1). This essay will further discuss the implications of strokes on a cellular, organ and system level. Explain the clinical presentation of the signs and symptoms of strokes and how the condition will be managed by a paramedic.

The diagnostic process for a formally diagnosing Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA/stroke), would consist with a number of test including a physical exam and questions regarding your family history of strokes, any signs or symptoms that may have been present before the patient had the stroke. The physician would also order a few tests like a MRI, CT scan, Cerebral Carotid ultrasound, Cerebral Angiogram and an Echo Cardiogram. The physical exam is important to listen to the hearts sounds, take your blood pressure and also use a ophthalmoscope ( a scope to look in your eyes, ears and nose) to see if there are any cholesterol crystals behind the eyes("Diagnosis - Stroke - Mayo Clinic," 2015). A MRI, uses radio and magnetic waves to show a detailed

    Ischemia- local decrease in blood supply    Infarction- death & deterioration of tissue resulting from lack of blood supply.

Transient Ischemic Attacks occur in the same way as an ischemic stroke. Both occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked, which is why a stroke is known as a cerebrovascular accident.

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or stroke, is an abrupt stoppage of the blood supply of the brain. There are two types of stroke: ischemic stroke, a sudden blockage of arteries that lead to the brain, and hemorrhagic stroke, bursting of a blood vessel that leads to bleeding into the brain tissue (Panel et al.,1997). Due to the sudden onset that requires immediate medical care, it is often referred to as a brain attack. Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. affecting 800,00 people each year (Panel et al.,1997). Tests that view the brain, such as CT scan and MRI scans, as well as test that views the blood vessel that supplies the brain, such as the carotid Doppler, are used to properly diagnose for a stroke.

Stroke previously known as Cerebrovascular accident is well-defined as ‘an abrupt cessation of cerebral circulation in one or more of the blood vessels distributing the brain. Due to the interruption or diminish of oxygen supply causes serious damage or necrosis in the brain tissues (Jauch, Kissella & Stettler, 2005). There is a presence of one or more symptoms such as weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking or swallowing, dizziness, loss of balance, loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes and headache. Stoke is categorised into two types, Ischaemic and haemorrhagic

Gibbons also explains that an ischemic stroke also consist of transient ischemic attacks (TIA). A TIA is known as a “mini stroke” that is only a brief period of symptoms similar to those of an ischemic stroke but only lasting a couple hours. TIAs are caused by temporary decreases in the blood supply. TIAs can also be caused by a clot or debris blocking blood flow to part of the brain. These blockages are temporary thus leaving no lasting symptoms. TIAs usually happen before an actual stroke happens. According to many doctors these attacks serve as a warning and also an opportunity of possibly lowering risks of actually have a stroke.

Cerebral vascular accident or stroke is a serious condition in which the blood supply in the brain is reduced or unable to give the brain tissues the proper oxygen and nutrients it needs to properly function, killing brain cells immediately if not treated and diagnosed in a timely manner.

A cerebrovascular accident more commonly known as a stroke or brain attack is the term used to describe the sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow. In order to woke the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. This supply is carried to the brain

Stroke is seen as a major health concern and this is due to the fact that every year, as many as 110,000 individuals suffers from strokes making it a key issue. (NHS 2014)

A stroke caused by a blocked artery by a blood clot or bursting of a blood vessel because of uncontrolled high blood pressure. There are main three types of the stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks one of the arteries which supply blood to brain. A clot may be caused by fatty deposits (plaque) that build up in arteries and cause reduced blood flow (atherosclerosis) or other artery conditions. (mayo clinic). About 89%, strokes are ischemic strokes. Ischemic stroke includes thrombotic stroke. A thrombotic stroke occurs when a thrombus stuck in one of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. A clot build-up of fatty deposits in arteries. Another type of stroke is called the hemorrhagic stroke. This stroke occurs when a blood vessel leaks or ruptures in the brain. A bold vessel leaks or ruptures from many conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure or overtreatment with anticoagulants and the weak spot in blood vessel walls. (mayo). Some people experience a mini-stroke it is known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A temporary decrease or clot stuck in a vessel in our brain causes TIA. It happens less than five minutes. This stroke does not have any symptom, because the blockage is