CMMC Neuroscience Center

Stroke

Basic Information

A stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) results in sudden loss of function of parts of the nervous system. Usually this is due to a blocked blood vessel in the brain. Less common is bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) or a blood vessel rupture (aneurysmal stroke). A stroke is defined by the permanent loss of function. Some patients experience brief stroke-like symptoms that are called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Causes of stroke or TIA include atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), clots breaking free from the aorta or heart, clotting disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol. Coronary artery disease and abnormal heart rhythms are especially important causes of stroke.

Symptoms:

• Sudden loss of strength or sensation on one side of the body
  
• Sudden inability to speak or understand spoken words
  
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  
• Sudden vertigo with vomiting, loss of balance and weakness
  

Treatment:

• Anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or persantine
  
• Blood thinners such as heparin or warfarin
  
• Clot dissolvers like tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)
  
• Surgery to open blocked vessels in the neck
  
• Surgery to repair heart defects
  

Stroke Prevention

• Annual medical exams to check for high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease
  
• Lowering cholesterol
  
• Regular exercise and healthy diet
  
• Smoking cessation
  

Web Site: National Stroke Association