CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT (CVA)

 YOUR HEALTH 

with Fortunate Masikati 

Bindura City Corps 

Bindura Division 

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the medical term for a stroke. A stroke is when blood flow to a part of your brain is stopped either by a blockage or the rupture of a blood vessel.

Seek medical attention immediately if you think that you or someone around you might be having a stroke. The more quickly you receive treatment, the better the prognosis, as a stroke left untreated for too long can result in permanent brain damage.

Types of cerebrovascular accident

There are two main types of cerebrovascular accident, or stroke:an ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage; a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel. Both types of stroke deprive part of the brain of blood and oxygen, causing brain cells to die.

Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke is the most common and occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel and prevents blood and oxygen from getting to a part of the brain. There are two ways that this can happen. One way is an embolic stroke, which occurs when a clot forms somewhere else in your body and gets lodged in a blood vessel in the brain. The other way is a thrombotic stroke, which occurs when the clot forms in a blood vessel within the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures, or hemorrhages, and then prevents blood from getting to part of the brain. The hemorrhage may occur in any blood vessel in the brain, or it may occur in the membrane surrounding the brain.

Symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident

The quicker you can get a diagnosis and treatment for a stroke, the better your prognosis will be. For this reason, it’s important to understand and recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Stroke symptoms include: 

difficulty walking

dizziness

loss of balance and coordination

difficulty speaking or understanding others who are speaking

confusion

numbness or paralysis in the face, leg, or arm, most likely on just one side of the body

blurred vision or double vision

a sudden headache, especially when accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or dizziness

loss of vision in a visual field

The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the individual and where in the brain it has happened. Symptoms usually appear suddenly, even if they’re not very severe, and they may become worse over time.

 The most common symptoms of stroke:

Face: Does one side of the face droop?

Arm: If a person holds both arms out, does one drift downward?

Speech: Is their speech abnormal or slurred?

Diagnosis of a cerebrovascular accident* 

Physical examination, during which they’ll check your strength, reflexes, vision, speech, and senses. They’ll also check for a particular sound in the blood vessels of your neck. This sound, which is called a bruit, indicates abnormal blood flow. Finally, they will check your blood pressure, which may be high if you’ve had a stroke.

Diagnostic tests can be performed to discover the cause of the stroke and pinpoint its location. These tests may include the following:

Blood tests : Your healthcare provider may want to test your blood for clotting time, blood sugar levels, or infection. These can all affect the likelihood and progression of a stroke.

Angiogram : An angiogram, which involves adding a dye to your blood and taking an X-ray of your head, can help your doctor find the blocked or hemorrhaged blood vessel.

Carotid ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the blood vessels in your neck. This test can help your provider determine if there’s abnormal blood flow toward your brain.

CT scan: A CT scan is often performed soon after symptoms of a stroke develop. The test can help your provider find the problem area or other problems that might be associated with stroke.

MRI scan: An MRI can provide a more detailed picture of the brain compared to CT scan. It’s more sensitive than a CT scan in being able to detect a stroke.

Echocardiogram : This imaging technique uses sound waves to create a picture of your heart. It can help your provider find the source of blood clots.

Electrocardiogram (EKG): This is an electrical tracing of your heart. This will help your healthcare provider determine if an abnormal heart rhythm is the cause of a stroke.

Treatment for a cerebrovascular accident 

Treatment for stroke depends on the type of stroke you’ve had. The goal of treatment for ischemic stroke, for instance, is to restore the blood flow. Treatments for hemorrhagic stroke are aimed at controlling the bleeding.

 

 Ischemic stroke treatment 

To treat an ischemic stroke, you may be given a clot-dissolving drug or a blood thinner. You may also be given aspirin to prevent a second stroke. Emergency treatment for this type of stroke may include injecting medicine into the brain or removing a blockage with a procedure.

Hemorrhagic stroke treatment

For a hemorrhagic stroke, you may be given a drug that lowers the pressure in your brain caused by the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, you may need surgery to remove excess blood. It’s also possible that you will need surgery to repair the ruptured blood vessel.

Common complications resulting from a stroke include difficulty speaking, swallowing, moving, or thinking. These can improve over the weeks, months, and even years after a stroke.

Preventing Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVAs or Strokes)

Prevention is key! Here are some ways to reduce the risk of CVA:

Lifestyle Changes

1. Manage Blood Pressure: high blood pressure is a major risk factor

2. Exercise Regularly: aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise/day

3. Healthy Diet: focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight : reduce risk of diabetes and hypertension

5. Quit Smoking: smoking damages blood vessels and increases risk

6. Limit Alcohol: excessive drinking can raise blood pressure

Medical Management

1. Monitor and Manage Cholesterol: high LDL cholesterol increases risk

2. Control Diabetes: manage blood sugar levels

3. Atrial Fibrillation Management: anticoagulation therapy may be needed

4. Medications: antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin), anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)

Other Risk Factors

1. Family History: know your family medical history

2. Age: risk increases with age, especially after 55

3. Previous CVA or TIA: increased risk of another event

Screening and Early Detection

1. Regular Check-Ups: monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

2. Know the Signs: recognize CVA symptoms and act FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time)

In  many communities ,there is  a strong belief that illnesses, including stroke, are caused by supernatural forces or witchcraft

Why this misconception persists:

1. Lack of awareness: Limited understanding of stroke causes and risk factors.

2. Cultural beliefs: Traditional beliefs and superstitions can influence perceptions.

3. Stigma: Stroke can be stigmatized, leading people to seek alternative explanations.

NB: Stroke is not associated with witchcraft. it's an emergency medical condition that needs early treatment for better prognosis

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