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Cerebrovascular accident or stroke is also known as “brain attack”. It is a sudden loss of brain function that happens when the arteries leading to the brain are blocked or ruptured. This results to a disruption of blood supply to a part of the brain. The arteries distribute oxygenated blood throughout the body. When the brain does not receive the needed oxygen supply, the brain cells begin to die leading to temporary or permanent dysfunction (brain damage). CVA is the leading cause of adult disability.

Problems resulting from stroke:

* temporary or permanent impairment. Hemiparesis - partial weakness of one side of the body. Hemiplegia - a condition in which one-half of a patient’s body is paralyzed, more severe than hemiparesis.
* problems with balance and/or coordination
* difficulties with speech (aphasia) and memory (spatial disorientation)
* problems with vision
* difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
* pain
* numbness
* depression and/or sudden outbursts of emotions (emotional and personality disturbances)
* unawareness of the effects of the stroke
* mental ability problems
* chronic fatigue

Risk factors:
* high blood pressure
* high cholesterol level
* diabetes
* smoking
* heart disease
* transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) - “mini stroke” that lasts within 24 hours, a warning sign of CVA

Warning signs and symptoms:
* sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
* sudden problems with vision in one eye
* sudden language disturbances
* sudden gait problems
* sudden dizziness

Initial manifestations depends on the site of the brain involvement. Stroke happens suddenly and may be prevented by immediate response to warning signs.

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