Cerebrovascular Accident Research Paper

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain, causing the death of brain cells due to the lack of oxygen. Abilities of that area of the brain such as muscle control and memory are lost when the brain cells begin to die. A cerebrovascular accident is also referred to as a stroke. There are two types of strokes, which include hemorrhagic or ischemic. Around 87 percent of all stroke cases are ischemic. An ischemic stroke is resulted by a blockage of a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. An ischemic stroke can occur in two ways: an embolic stroke or a thrombotic stroke. In an embolic stroke, a blood clot forms in the body, usually the heart, and travels to the brain causing a blocked blood vessel.

The other type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke. This occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and blood is spilled into the brain tissue. High blood pressure is the most common cause for this type of blood vessel rupture although aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations are other causes as well. According to Webmed.com, “Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases a person’s stroke risk by four to six times.” Having a stroke is more common in adults, although it can happen to anyone at anytime, including children. Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability and the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. (Stroke.org). Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by lowering blood pressure, losing weight, exercise, and not smoking. Some non-modifiable risk factors include advanced age (older than 55 years), gender (male), and race (African American). Treatment differs depending on the type of stroke. A person is affected differently depending on the location of the stroke and how much damage has occurred. People with minor strokes mainly have minor problems such as temporary weakness in the arm or