Premium Essay

Stroke, Or Cerebrovascular Accident

Submitted By
Words 1721
Pages 7
What is Stroke?
Also called CVA, or Cerebrovascular Accident, the stroke is a very interesting medical phenomenon. With more than 800,000 people experiencing new or reoccurring strokes each year (stroke.org), it is hard to just brush this off as another case that doesn’t need to be looked at. Stroke works much like a water hose with a knot in it, in the sense that the water will stop flowing while the knot is present. Strokes happen when blood flow has been restricted from the brain, causing the brain cells that were present in that area to die off. This often results in the victim losing control of one side of the body depending on which side of the brain was attacked, loss of basic motor and communication skills, quick or slow behavioral …show more content…
Aphasia occurs when one of the language producing areas of the brain is attacked by the stroke. The strokes could attack Wernicke’s area, Broca’s area, or it could be a Global Aphasia where both areas are affected. Most stroke victims suffer from some form of the 3 Aphasias, whether it is minor or major. Aphasia, a language disorder, affects the ability to communicate in all situations ( ). This often times brings about depressive related symptoms and issues to their …show more content…
I chose this topic because it is very interesting to see how this ailment specifically affects so many lives. I know first hand what is like to be with someone who suffered from a stroke, and this was the best way for me to learn all about what is actually happening when someone suffers from one. An interesting thing that I have seen so far is the fact that no one has been able to find a cure up to this date. You would think with all the advancements made in the field that someone would have figured out how to solve this age-old issue. In my opinion, it is my obligation to have done more research on stroke especially seeing that there is no cure. Without a good understanding of all the mental processes going on with the onset of stroke, it is not possible to understand anything else happening to the individual. How would you know why a victim is only paralyzed on one side by just looking at him? How would you be able to understand why there is sudden memory loss but there has been no close-minded blow to the head? It is important to know what is happening internally in order to fully understand what’s happening

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Cerebrovascular Accident Research Paper

...A cerebrovascular accident is also known as a stroke. It is a medical emergency in which the patient must be treated immediately to minimize damage and complications. A cerebrovascular accident is the sudden death of some brain cells caused by lack of or reduced oxygen when blockage or a ruptured artery impair the blood flow to the brain. There are three types of strokes; ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and the temporary ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. The signs and symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident can include: a very severe headache with vomiting and dizziness; weakness; paralysis of one side of the body with partial or complete loss of voluntary movement or sensation; problems with speech such as slurring,...

Words: 563 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Literature Review Acupuncture and Hemiplegia

...Acupuncture research in Cerebrovascular Accident induced hemiplegia. By Introduction to Cerebrovascular Accident and Hemiplegia Cerebrovascular Accident also known as stroke can broadly be described as an interruption of the blood supply to the brain. Without blood the brain cells are staved of oxygen, and can begin to die within minutes if the blood supply is completely cut off. It is this cellular death which has the greatest influence on the sequelae or after math of the stroke. Hemiplegia is the most common sequelae of stroke, this medical condition characterised by paralyses of one side of the body. It is similar to, but should not be confused with hemiparesis which is when one side of the body is weak but still mobile. While the leading cause of hemiplegia is a Cerebrovascular Accident, it is not the only cause, other neural conditions such as a unilateral pyramidal (UMN) lesion may also cause hemiplegia. It is difficult to discuss Hemiplegia without also discussing Stroke, similar to cause and effect, if stroke is the cause then hemiplegia is effect. A sudden stroke can be deadly, and how well someone recovers or if they recover depends largely on how fast they receive treatment. In Australia the most popular method for identifying stroke is the FAST test: * Face – Check their face. Has their mouth dropped? * Arms – Can they lift both arms? * Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? * Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these...

Words: 7532 - Pages: 31

Premium Essay

Cerebrovascular Accident Research Paper

...Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) Definition Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the medical terminology for a stroke. Stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of your brain is stopped either by a blockage or the rupture of a blood vessel. Types There are two main types of cerebrovascular accident, or stroke. Both types of stroke deprive part of the brain of blood and oxygen, causing brain cells to die. These include: Ischemic stroke Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and is caused by a blockage of the blood vessels supplying the brain. There are 2 types of ischemic stroke:  A thrombotic stroke is caused by a blood clot (thrombus) forming in one of the arteries of the head or neck, which severely reduces the blood flow. The thrombus may be a result of a build-up of fatty deposits (plaques) in the blood vessels. ...

Words: 931 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Cerebrovascular Accident Case Study

...NURS3003 WIKI Stoke (Cerebrovascular Accident) Initial Treatment: Initial treatment of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is very time critical, this is as getting treatment in the first few hours can help prevent permanent disability and death (Kim 2017, p. 38). Upon presentation the patient should be examined, focusing on perfusion by assessing airways, breathing and circulation with continuing assessments to ensure oxygenation of the cells and vital organs of the body (Kim 2017, p. 43). While diagnosing the patient the airway and use of oxygen should be applied to prevent hypoxia that can occur due to obstructions and lack of oxygen intake (Kim 2017, p. 43). Additionally, the patient should be ordered isotonic fluids to maintain fluid volume levels in the body, this is due to hypervolemia being a common factor in stroke; during this stage the health care team will be conducting diagnostic assessments to confirm stroke as the diagnosis and to determine the location and severity (Kim 2017, pp. 44-5). Once a stroke is confirmed the physician is able to determine the best treatment regime dependant on the type, location and severity of the stroke; often treated through medication or thrombectomy procedures (Kim 2017, p. 44)....

Words: 759 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Hemorrhagic CVA Case Study

...Hemorrhagic CVA and the Patient JB was just 54-years-old man when a life-altering event took place; JB had a hemorrhagic stroke while driving his vehicle. JB had a hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident that affected his left side, leaving him in various states of mobility, ranging from paralysis to extremely limited. Before the accident, JB’s favorite things in life that gave him meaning and value were hunting and fishing. He comes from a large family of many brothers, so this was their familiar culture and their way establishing relationships and norms. JB just liked working with his hands and being outdoors. He mainly built houses and did construction for most of his life, but one aspect that was very proud of was that of building elaborate swimming pools and spas for a couple of the resorts in the Wisconsin Dells. He didn’t do the designing, but he took pleasure in the rebar and concrete work as well as the finishing and...

Words: 1278 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Cerebrovascular Accident Essay

...Cerebrovascular Accident A stroke or cerebrovascular accident happens when oxygen is blocked from a certain part of the brain, depriving it of needed nutrients in order to function properly. This can occur from a clot or bleeding in the brain. Symptoms include “sudden weakness, numbness of the face or extremities, trouble speaking or understanding, and trouble seeing” (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2014). If any of the symptoms are noticed, it is important that immediate care is provided and the person goes to the hospital as soon as possible. Once the person is in the hospital, a doctor will diagnose and treat the CVA. Complementary and alternative medicine may be suggested, prognosis will be explained when the severity of...

Words: 1348 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Cerebrovascular Accidents: A Case Study

...Stokes also known as cerebrovascular accidents are the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability (Huether & McCane, 2012, p.389). Over 75% of stokes occurs in individuals 65 and older. The mildest form of stoke can be so minimal that it is almost unnoticed, however in serve form it can leave the individual with hemiplegia, coma, and even death. There are two main types of stroke: ischemia strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemia stroke occurs when there is a blockage of an artery and hemorrhagic stroke are strokes that is caused by bleeding. Over 87% of stokes are ischemic (John Hopkins, n.d.) During an ischemic stroke even the brain cells and tissue dies due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic stroke can be further divided into two groups including thrombotic strokes and embolic strokes. In a thrombotic stroke a blood clot of thrombus develops in the...

Words: 421 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Side By Side Brain Injury Clubhouse: A Case Study

...C.W. is a 52-year-old male that experienced a right cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in 2007 and is a current consumer of Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Before his CVA, C.W. lived in St. Louis, Missouri and was a flight attendant for American Airlines for twenty-five years. After his sudden CVA event, C.W. was transported from Missouri to Atlanta, Georgia to seek medical attention at Shepherd Center and to live closer to his mother and three siblings. C.W. has a secondary diagnosis of major depressive disorder and past reports of chronic substance abuse. C.W. has been a consumer of Side by Side since 2009 and currently lives in a personal care home near Stone Mountain, Georgia. Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse is a community based program that targets individuals with traumatic or acquired brain injuries and their families to promote continued advances in their long-term...

Words: 628 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Biopsychosocial

...(University of Surrey 2009). The above quotations shortly define biology, psychology and sociology as three individual topics, which will be discussed throughout the whole assignment in order to gain an understanding of the relation of their individual influences to the outcome of my chosen patient’s current health status, a cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Rana and Upton (2009) were the first to research these three factors individually, relating them to poor health and well-being. Roberts’ (2000) definition above describes the certain issues explored within biology today; however, psychological and sociological issues can influence the biological status of the human body. Despite sociology influencing ones behaviour, it is also based around the effect it has upon groups and external events. Sociology does not only target the individual involved, but the way the individual relates and interacts with their social surroundings. Sociologists explore interactions within relationships, social class, gender, race and family life. Through an experience of nursing a patient during a six week clinical work placement who had suffered a cerebrovascular accident, this assignment will aim to critically evaluate the bio-psychosocial perspectives and the...

Words: 7398 - Pages: 30

Free Essay

Pathophysiology

...drooling, and had been incontinent of urine. She was able to focus her eyes on him when he spoke to her, but she was unable to verbalize a response. She was transported to the local hospital and diagnosed with cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Discussion Questions : 1.)What questions could be asked of J. S.'s family to help determine the cause of her stroke as thrombotic, embolic, or hemorrhagic (i.e., questions to assess risk factors for each type of stroke)? * The family may be asked if J.S. is a smoker, or if there is a history of hypertension or diabetes. 2.)Based on the scenario described above, which brain hemisphere (left or right) suffered the ischemic damage? What other manifestations of this stroke location would likely be apparent? *Given the information above, the left hemisphere would be affected because a stroke is contra lateral. The fact that she is drooling and incontinent may suggest damage to the brain stem. 3.)What medical therapies might be used to manage this stroke and/or to prevent another one? * In embolic strokes treatment is direct in preventing further embolization by instituting anticoagulation therapy. In thrombolytic strokes, the administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The treatment is aimed at preventing further strokes and controlling cerebral edema. 4.)What information might be appropriate to give J.S.'s family about the expected recovery process after...

Words: 359 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Chapter 10 Cvd & Cancer

...completely. There are many different chronic diseases, but the two biggest killers are cardiovascular disease and cancer, by far the leading causes of death in the United States as well as the rest of the world. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) comprises a group of diseases that includes two major categories: diseases of the heart and cerebrovascular disease (primarily stroke). Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth and reproduction. Cancer can occur in any part of the body, but we’ll discuss a few that are of the greatest importance to women’s health: breast cancer, lung cancer, cancers of the reproductive system, and a few others. More lives are claimed by CVD than by the next five leading causes of death combined. Cardiovascular deaths usually occur in later years when women are beset with a variety of comorbid conditions, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, osteoporosis, and diabetes. The two major forms of CVD are heart disease and stroke; of these, coronary heart disease is the major killer. Strokes, however, also cause many deaths, and they disproportionately affect women—6 of 10 people who die from strokes are women. Cardiovascular disease imposes a heavy burden on the medical care system in the United States, particularly on emergency medical departments and hospitals. Clinical care of CVD patients is costly and often prolonged. Cardiovascular disease often affects individuals during their peak productive years at work, causing...

Words: 1382 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Communication

...definitions of communication and a brief history of the expectations of the nurse over the centuries and how the role has developed to the professional nurse as we know today, and one that is expected by the public. It will then lead on to some examples of methods of communication and a brief explanation of their importance within nursing. I will briefly discuss Berlos (1960) communication theory and demonstrate how the model was used effectively to communicate with a patient with language impairment, which is a deficit in comprehension, production and use of language (Newman 2011). To achieve all this, the essay will focus on Mr. Owen a 79 year old patient from my recent clinical placement that was admitted after having a cerebrovascular accident which left the patient with hemiplegia of the left side. This gentleman also had a very rare disease called Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia. Mr. Owen’ first language was Welsh. It will focus on the patients...

Words: 3589 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

Brain Headaches

...nap to let your brain cure the headache inflammation. Another way is to put warm towel on your head so it cools brain nerves. This helps relieves muscles in your head which helps the headache. Migraines have effects on the brain stem. If migraines are painful enough it can cause brain stem infractions. Although migraines cannot cause permanent damage to the brain. Exercise that causes adrenaline can help make migraines go away. Headaches and migraines can be caused by cerebrovascular accidents. People don’t know what yet exactly causes headaches. It may be caused by nerve cells on the brain. It also can be over stimulated blood vessels, which leads to inflammation. Estrogen and progesterone can cause migraine and headache in women. Migraines can be hereditary and can be passed down. Migraines cannot cause disability to the brain. Scientist says migraines can be neurological disease. Migraines are on one of the most mistreated disease. Women with migraines are seven times more likely to have an ischemic stroke. Migraine can cause a block in an artery which can trigger the...

Words: 302 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Strokes and How to Prevent Them

...Strokes, and How To Prevent Them A stroke which is also referred to as a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Strokes can be either ischemic, which is caused by plaque formation that narrows the blood flow, or clot that obstructs blood vessels, or hemorrhagic, which is due to a weakening blood vessel that causes it to bulge or rupture. Some strokes can be very mild, and cause temporary dizziness or slight weakness or numbness. More serious interruptions in blood flow may impair speech, memory, or even motor control. Other stroke affect parts of the brain that regulate heart, and lung function and can kill within minutes. Some of the risk factors that can cause someone to have a stroke are. High blood pressure which is, when the heart is pumping blood harder to move blood through the body, which can weaken blood vessels, and even cause damage to major organs. Another risk is diabetes which is a disease that affects a person's ability to move blood sugar, or glucose, out of the blood and into the cells. The way diabetes can contribute to a person having a stroke is by the uncontrollable high blood pressure, or hypertension. Another risk is obesity. Obesity or excessive weight puts a strain on the body and the entire circulatory system. They also make people more likely to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which can increase the risk of a stroke. These risk are all under the controllable risk factors...

Words: 767 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Hello

...amnesia refers to the inability to create new memories due to brain damage, while long-term memories from before the event remain intact. The brain damage can be caused by the effects of long-term alcoholism, severe malnutrition, stroke, head trauma, encephalitis, surgery, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, cerebrovascular events, anoxia or other trauma.[12] The two brain regions related with this condition are medial temporal lobe and medial diencephalon. Anterograde amnesia cannot be treated with pharmacological methods due to neuronal loss.[13] However, treatment exists in educating patients to define their daily routines and after several steps they begin to benefit from their procedural memory. Likewise, social and emotional support is critical to improving quality of life for anterograde amnesia sufferers.[13] * Retrograde amnesia refers to inability to recall memories before onset of amnesia. One may be able to encode new memories after the incident. Retrograde is usually caused by head trauma or brain damage to parts of the brain besides the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for encoding new memory. Episodic memory is more likely to be affected than semantic memory. The damage is usually caused by head trauma, cerebrovascular accident, stroke, tumor, hypoxia, encephalitis, or chronic alcoholism. People suffering from retrograde amnesia are more likely to remember general knowledge rather than specifics. Recent memories are less likely to be recovered, but older memories...

Words: 1381 - Pages: 6