After heart disease and cancer, CVAs are the third leading cause of mortality. CVA is common among the elderly and those with the risk factors listed below. A CVA will impact neurological systems. Atherosclerosis from excessive cholesterol, cerebral artery obstruction from blood clots are some of the reasons for CVA. The clot in the artery may kill brain cells. When the cerebral vascular system is clogged or brain bleeding occurs, most individuals get neurological symptoms. Thus, we should avoid the following CVA risk factors:
- Cigarette smoking, cocaine usage, or excessive alcohol use.
- Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s insulin production (high blood sugar).
- You or a member of your immediate family has had a stroke.
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or fatty cholesterol deposits on the arterial walls are two terms that describe the same thing.
- Various types of cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease.
- High levels of cholesterol in the blood (fat).
- High blood pressure is a medical condition.
Signs and Symptoms
When it comes to cerebrovascular illness, the signs and symptoms vary depending on the location of the blockage and the influence it has on brain tissue.
Different events may have different consequences, however, the following are frequent symptoms:
- head pain that comes on suddenly and severely
- Hemiplegia, which is the paralysis of one side of the body, is a medical condition.
- Hemiparesis is a term used to describe weakness on one side of the body.
- confusion
- slurred speech and other signs of communication problems
- one’s vision is impaired on one side
- a state of being out of balance
- slipping into unconsciousness
Treatment
A CVA needs immediate medical attention Rapid assessment and treatment are critical since stroke drugs must be administered within a certain time frame.
In an acute stroke, the emergency team may provide a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which dissolves the blood clot.
A brain hemorrhage requires a neurosurgeon’s evaluation. They may do surgery to relieve the pressure caused by a bleed.
A carotid endarterectomy includes eliminating plaque from the carotid artery. This restores blood flow. The surgeon next stitches or grafts the artery.
An angioplasty includes introducing a balloon-tipped catheter into the carotid artery. They will then reopen the artery using a balloon.
The surgeon next inserts a thin metal mesh tube, or stent, into the carotid artery to increase blood flow. The stent keeps the artery from collapsing following the treatment.
Rehabilitation
A cerebrovascular incident can cause irreversible brain injury, resulting in disability.
So they may need a variety of supportive and rehabilitative therapy to keep as much function as feasible.
Among them:
Physical therapy: In order to restore mobility, flexibility, and limb function, this procedure must be performed.
Speech therapy: This may assist persons who have had a stroke or a cerebrovascular episode in communicating more effectively and regaining their voice.
Occupational therapy: This can assist a person in gaining access to resources that will assist them in returning to employment and daily life.
Psychotherapy: The emotional demands of physical handicaps can be overwhelming. If you feel overwhelmed after a stroke, you should see a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor.