Cerebrovascular Accident
A cerebrovascular accident is a medical emergency where the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off or interrupted. A cerebrovascular accident is most commonly known as a stroke. There are many risk factors for a cerebrovascular accident, signs and symptoms to be aware of, and treatment standards that must be utilized by medical professionals in order to properly care for a cerebrovascular accident victim.
Types of Cerebrovasular Accidents
- Ischemic Stroke - Caused by an obstruction that blocks or reduces blood flow to the brain
- Hemorrhagic Stroke - Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts spilling blood into the brain
Risk Factors
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Cigarette Smoking
- Heavy Alcohol Consumption
Other Causes
- Accident or Trauma
- Difficult Childbirth
- Prenatal Complications
- Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause
- Medical Malpractice
Signs and Symptoms
- Weakness or Numbness (especially to one side of the body)
- Reduction in Reflexes
- Severe Headache
- Confusion
- Difficulty Speaking
- Impaired Vision
- Dizziness or Loss of Balance
- Possible loss of Conciousness
Treatment and Care
In a cerebrovascular accident, brain cells either die or remain in a compromised state for a period following the incident. Immediate medical attention must be properly administered to assuage the damages caused by a cerebrovascular accident. Inter-cranial pressure must be alleviated immediately in order to reduce further loss to a cerebrovascular victim. Proper medical treatment must be performed on a cerebrovascular accident victim immediately and in every ensuing step of treatment in order to rehabilitate the patient and minimize further damage and complications. In cases where the standard of care in treating a cerebrovascular accident victim are not met, medical malpractice may be the cause of further injury and illness.
Medical Malpractice 