Cerebrovascular accident : Types,causes and prevention

Cerebrovascular Accident (C.V.A) popularly known as stroke is a medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain results in cell death, causing brain malfunction.

Types of C.V.A

1.Ischemic C.V.A
2.Hemorrhagic C.V.A

  • Ischemic C.V.A: this is a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demand. This leads to poor oxygen supply to the brain thus,causing death of brain tissues and cells. It can be caused by compressed blood vessels, sickle cell anaemia, blood clots, extreme low blood pressure, etc. 

This type of C.V.A can either be;
Focal Ischemia, which is confined to a specific region of the brain. OR
Global Ischemia, which encompasses wide areas of brain tissues.

  • Hemorrhagic C.V.A: this is due to bleeding and can be caused by trauma, high blood pressure that can lead to rupture of blood vessels.

Signs and Symptoms of Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke).

  • Inability to move or feel the affected part.
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of vision to one side
  • Understanding problems

Risk Factors of Stroke

  • High Blood Pressure: this is a disease that lasts for a long period of time in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently raised. This persistent elevation of blood pressure can lead to arterial rupture, leading to hemorrhage and can result in stroke.

  • Tobacco Smoking: this is the practice of smoking tobacco (consisting of particle and gaseous phases). This damages the lungs thereby, leading to poor respiratory processes and less oxygen in circulation, causing ischaemic stroke.

  • Obesity: this is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that it may have a negative effect on health. The excess body fat compresses blood vessels, increasing the work load on the heart and lungs as the organs will find it difficult to circulate enough oxygen and nutrients and this can lead to stroke.

  • High Blood Cholesterol: this can lead to blockage of the arteries thereby, causing blood not to be properly sent to the brain, causing the brain tissues not to have enough oxygen and this can lead to stroke.

Prevention of Stroke

This includes reducing risk factors by;
Proper visit to the hospital by those with known health problems.
Judicious intake of drugs prescribed by a trained and qualified doctor.


References

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