Definition of CVA
the sudden onset of neurologic signs and symptoms resulting from a disturbance of blood supply to the brain
2 categories of CVA
Thrombic Ischemic CVA
consequence of atherosclerosis
Embolic Ischemic CVA
**if cerebral blood flow is less than 20mL/100mg per minute there is a a disruption in neurologic functioning
ischemic penumbra
transitional zone surrounding the infarcted cerebral tissue
-neurons in this area are vulnerable to injury because cerebral blood flow is decreased and is unable to support neuronal function
intracerebral hemorrhage
cerebrum itself
low incidence in people less than 45 y/o
common causes:
subarachnoid hemorrhage
consequence of bleeding into the subarachnoid space
primary cause is aneurysms
**berry aneurysms- congenital defect of cerebral artery in which the vessel is abnormally dilated at bifurcation
arteriovenous malformation
congenital anomalies that affect circulation in brain
**mostly in older generations
transient ischemic attacks
“mini strokes”
blood supply to the brain is temporarily interupted
pt. complains of neurologic dysfunction
–loss of moto,sensory or speech function
-deficits only last about 24 hours
pt. does not experience any residual brain damage or neurologic dysfunction
* recurrent TIA indicate thrombotic disease and will most likely suffer stroke
medical intervention
MD completes physical exam
Neuroimaging is performed to determine whether the CVA is a result of hemorragic or ischemic injury
-regulate BP, cerebral perfusion and intracranial pressure
**tPA: clot busting drug- if given within 3 hours of embolicc CVA can decrease effects of neurologic damageq
recovery from stroke
prevention of CVA
2 primary preventable risk factors
other causes: DM, cigarette smoking, hx prior CVA or TIA, race, family history,alcohol, physical inactivity,obesity, age
-education to inform society of symptoms
Anterior cerebral artery blood distribution
superior border of frontal and parietal lobes
anterior cerebral artery deficits
contralateral weakness and sensory loss primarily LE incontinence aphasia memory and behavioral deficits
middle cerebral artery blood distribution
surface of the cerebral hemispheres and the deep frontal and parietal lobes
middle cerebral artery deficits
contralateral sensory loss and weakness in the face and UE
less involvement of the LE
homoymous hemianopia–visual field cuts
vertebrobasilar artery blood distribution
brain stem and cerebellum
vertebrobasilar artery deficits
cranial nerve involvment
**locked in syndrome can occur with this
posterior cerebral artery blood distribution
occipital and temporal lobes, thalamus, and upper brain stem
posterior cerebral artery deficits
contralateral sensory loss, thalamic pain syndrome, hmonymous hemianopia, visual agnosia and cortical blindness
laclunar infarcts
deep regions of the brain-internal capsule, basal ganglia and pons
common in individuals with HTN and DM
clinical findings: contralateral weakness, sensory loss, ataxia and dysarthria
parietal CVA
clinical findings
Thalamic Pain Syndrome
occurs after infarction or hemorrhage in the lateral thalamus, posterior limb of the internal capsule or the parietal lobe
Pusher Syndrome