Understanding Cerebral Vascular Accidents: Causes and Consequences

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Cerebral Vascular Accidents
Definition of a CVA
A stroke is a serious occurrence that is considered to be a medical emergency, according to CDC.gov. Strokes happen when either a blood clot in the brain blocks blood flow carrying vital oxygen, or a blood vessel breaks within the brain and oxygen does not arrive at specified locations. (CDC.gov/Stroke Fact Sheet) Oxygen is imperative for brain function. According to CDC.gov, the brain utilizes approximately twenty percent of the body’s oxygen intake; without a continuous intake of oxygen, brain cells begin to die. According to stroke.org, every single minute before a stroke can be treated, an estimated 1.9 million neurons are lost, which is why it is important to know the signs and symptoms of …show more content…

The brain and nervous system is probably the system that is hit the hardest when this happens. Issues with many of the activities of the brain may occur, including things like memory and coordination. (stroke.org) The cardiovascular system may be affected as well, as blood clots or an aneurysm are usually the cause of a stroke. (CDC.gov) Another system that may be affected by a CVA is the urinary system as a victim may become incontinent afterwards. (CDC.org) Because coordination can be affected, the muscular/skeletal systems may be involved also if a patient needs assistance walking or with controlling movements in various tasks. (CDC.org)
Economic Impact of CVAs
In the United States, about every 40 seconds, a stoke takes place. (strokeassociation.org) Approximately 795,000 Americans will have a stroke each year, out of those, about 129,000 will die from this disease. (strokeassociation.org) Of these statistics, about 40 percent of deaths due to a stroke will occur in males and about 60 percent in females. (strokeassociation.org)
Conclusion
CVAs are a very prevalent cause of disability and death. They may strike at any age or in any ethnicity. It is vital that help is received in a timely matter when one is suffering a stroke in order to better the chances of survival and

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