Cerebrovascular Accident

1717 Words4 Pages

Cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, is the third leading reason for death in the United States and the number one cause of disability, with 3 million people permanently disabled as a result of stroke (Schonbeck, 2012). A cerebrovascular accident occurs when there is death of brain cells due to oxygen deprivation; in addition there is the loss of nutrients to the blood supply to the brain being diminished both a result of either a rupture, or blockage of an artery to the brain (Schonbeck, 2012). Once the brain is deprived of oxygen, brain cells rapidly start to die, causing permanent damage. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, the result may be paralysis, difficulty speaking, and loss of memory or even death (Stroke, 2011). The degree of the damage to the brain will be determined by the type of cerebrovascular attack, the area or areas of the brain involved, and the length of time that passes before treatment is initiated.

The majority of strokes, approximately 90 percent, are ischemic strokes (Stroke, 2010). Some of the main types of stroke are cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism, both caused by a blockage of the blood supply to the brain, occurring in a main artery of the neck, the carotid, or other arteries that supply blood to the brain, or an artery in the brain itself (Stroke, 2010). Blood clots are formed, as a result of plaque deposits in these arteries. Another type of ischemic stroke is an embolic stroke, which happens when a blood clot develops in a blood vessel a distance away from the brain ordinarily in the heart. The embolus then is carried through the bloodstream to imbed itself in brain arteries which are narrowed, slowing the flow of blood (Stroke, 2010). One of the most common ...

... middle of paper ...

...of stroke. Getting a stroke victim to a hospital to confirm the diagnosis is imperative so treatment can begin immediately. But I must say that stroke prevention is also important. Eat a healthy, low fat diet; remain active with regular exercise, keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked.

Works Cited

Cerebrovascular Accident. (2012). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from Drugs.com: http://www.drugs.com/cg/cerebrovascular-accident.html

Ischemic Stroke in Emergency Medicine. (2011). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from Medscape Reference: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1916852-overview

Schonbeck, Joan. (2002). Cerebovascular Accident. Retrieved February 16, 2012, from Healthline: http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/cerebrovascular-accident

Stroke. (2011). Retrieved February 16, 2012, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stroke/DS00150

More about Cerebrovascular Accident

Open Document