What is the Medical Term for Stroke?

Stroke: What It is, Warning Signs and Treatment

The medical term for stroke is Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA). It occurs when blood flow to a part of your brain is blocked, or a blood vessel bursts. The brain cells die quickly because this cuts off oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

A stroke is a medical emergency which needs fast treatment. Learning about the signs of stroke early and how it can alert people to act quickly can save the lives of people before any permanent damage happens.

What is Stroke?

A stroke happens if there is a loss of blood flow to the parts of the brains. Your brain cells cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need from blood, and they start to die within a few minutes. This can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

Why is it known as Cerebrovascular Accident?

The term 'Cerebrovascular Accident' (CVA) is a traditional name for a stroke. It describes a sudden ('accident') event in the brain ('cerebro-') involving its blood vessels ('-vascular'), which results in the disruption of blood flow and rapid death of brain cells.

What are the Symptoms of Stroke?

If you or someone else is experiencing a stroke, pay close attention when the symptoms develop. Some treatments are quite effective when provided soon after a stroke happens.  Here are common symptoms of stroke:

• An individual experiencing a stroke might seem confused, face difficulty in speaking or might not be able to understand what other people are saying.
• A stroke might cause weakness, numbness and paralysis in the arm, face and legs, which affects one side of the body. The person often tries to raise both hands over the head. If one of the arms falls suddenly, it indicates a stroke. Also, one portion of the jaw might drop down while trying to smile.
• A sudden heavy headache is a major symptom of stroke. Along with the headache, dizziness, vomiting, and a change in consciousness might also occur.
• One may suddenly have blurred vision in one eye or both or see a double image.
• A person experiencing a stroke might stumble or fail to coordinate and lose balance.
• Seizures
• Slurred or garbled speaking
• Sudden loss of your sense (including vision, smell, taste, hearing and touch)

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Stroke?

Stroke can take place for two main reasons. An ischemic stroke occurs because of a blocked artery in the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs because of a leak in blood vessels in the brain. However, some people only face a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, commonly known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Considering the risk factors, many factors raise the risk of the occurrence of stroke. These factors are:

Lifestyle Risk Factors

• Physical inactivity
• Overweight or obese
• Continuous drinking
• Consumption of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine

Medical Risk Factors

• High level of cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular diseases such as defects in the heart, heart failure, irregular rhythm of the heart, infection in the heart and more
• Family history of smoking, transient ischemic attack or heart attack

Within a few minutes, a stroke can change the life of an individual. Taking immediate and quick action with proper medical care is the key factor to experiencing better recovery. Learning about a stroke and how it impacts the brain will help you during such a scenario.

When to See a Doctor for Stroke?

Ask for medical attention if you notice or experience any symptoms of stroke, even if those symptoms come and go or disappear. Think fast about what to do and consult a doctor immediately.

As soon as any stroke symptoms appear, immediately act upon them. The more a stroke remains untreated, the higher the chances of causing brain damage and becoming disabled. If you are with anyone suspected of having a stroke, keep an eye on the person carefully while waiting for emergency help.  

Can strokes be Prevented?

In Case, you have already had a stroke or at risk of having cerebrovascular accident you can work on modifying lifestyle in terms of heart-healthy habits to try to prevent a stroke in future:

• Adding a heart-healthy diet
• Aiming for weight management
• Stress Management
• Regular physical activity
• Quit Smoking
• Maintain blood pressure and cholesterol level.

Getting on-time treatment and support enables people to return to their normal lives. Managing health and risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can help prevent a stroke.

Also Read:

→ What is the Best Treatment for Stroke

→ What Causes a Stroke to Happen