{"id":5511,"date":"2025-12-09T19:39:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T00:39:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=5511"},"modified":"2025-12-09T23:17:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T04:17:21","slug":"vascular-disorders-of-the-brain-cva-and-tia","status":"web-only","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/chapter\/vascular-disorders-of-the-brain-cva-and-tia\/","title":{"raw":"11p19  Vascular Disorders of the Brain: CVA and TIA","rendered":"11p19  Vascular Disorders of the Brain: CVA and TIA"},"content":{"raw":"<h1><strong>Vascular Disorders of the Brain: CVA and TIA Definitions:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<strong>Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):<\/strong>\u00a0 temporary disruption of blood flow within the brain, leading to neuronal dysfunction, causing temporary stroke-like symptoms.\r\n\r\n<strong>Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA also known as Stroke): <\/strong>disruption of blood flow within the brain leading to neuronal cell death due to deprivation of oxygen and nutrients, causing symptoms of stroke, and long-term damage.\r\n<h1><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Vascular disorders involve\u00a0<strong>interruption of blood supply<\/strong>\u00a0to brain tissue.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Causes include\u00a0<strong>atherosclerosis<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>emboli<\/strong>, or\u00a0<strong>vasospasm<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Impaired blood flow leads to\u00a0<strong>neuronal ischemia<\/strong>\u00a0and damage.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Causes of Brain Vascular Events:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<h1><strong>1.\u00a0 Atherosclerosis<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Plaque buildup in cerebral arteries diminishes blood flow.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Can lead to\u00a0<strong>partial or complete occlusion<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>2.\u00a0 Emboli<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Traveling blood clots or debris block arteries.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Usually originate in other parts of the body (heart, carotids).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>3.\u00a0 Vasospasm<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Sudden constriction of blood vessels.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Dysfunction of vessel walls, causing transient ischemia.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>4.\u00a0 Vessel Rupture<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Bleeding causes\u00a0<strong>hemorrhagic stroke<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Blood leakage increases ICP and adds toxicity to neurons.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Types of Cerebral Ischemia<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<h1><strong>1.\u00a0 Global Cerebral Ischemia<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Entire brain's blood supply is compromised.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Causes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cardiac arrest<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Shock<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Can lead to\u00a0<strong>brain death<\/strong>\u00a0if not promptly reversed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>2.\u00a0 Focal Ischemia (Stroke)<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Affecting specific regions:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Causes\u00a0<strong>neurological deficits<\/strong>\u00a0depending on location.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): The \u201cMini Stroke\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Temporary\u00a0<strong>lack of oxygen<\/strong>\u00a0in a localized brain area.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Usually due to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Partial\u00a0<strong>artery occlusion<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Small embolus<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Vasospasm<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Symptoms:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Muscle weakness or paralysis.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Speech difficulties (<strong>aphasia<\/strong>).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Vision problems.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Dizziness, numbness.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Nausea and confusion.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Usually\u00a0<strong>full recovery<\/strong>\u00a0within minutes to hours.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Significance<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Recurrent TIAs\u00a0<strong>predict<\/strong>\u00a0future\u00a0<strong>full strokes<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Signs include\u00a0<strong>FAST<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>F<\/strong>ace drooping.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>A<\/strong>rm weakness.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>S<\/strong>peech difficulty.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>T<\/strong>ime to call\u00a0<strong>911<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Prognosis &amp; Prevention<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Repeated TIAs<\/strong>\u00a0are\u00a0<strong>warning signs<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Many\u00a0<strong>first-time strokes<\/strong>\u00a0occur after a TIA.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>In the US:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>One stroke every\u00a0<strong>45 seconds<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>1 in 15 deaths<\/strong>\u00a0attributed to stroke.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Early recognition and treatment\u00a0<strong>save lives<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>CVA Diagnosis and Imaging<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Crucial<\/strong>\u00a0for confirming stroke type and extent.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Imaging options:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>CT scan<\/strong>: rapid detection of bleeding or infarct.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>MRI<\/strong>: detailed visualization, especially of ischemia.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Angiography<\/strong>: blood vessel blockage.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Ultrasound<\/strong>: carotid artery flow.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Assessment<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Identify\u00a0<strong>location<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>size<\/strong>\u00a0of the lesion.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Detect\u00a0<strong>hemorrhages<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>ischemic areas<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>CVA Treatment Strategies<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Clot removal and clot-busting<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Thrombolytic<\/strong>\u00a0medications (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator, tPA).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Mechanical thrombectomy<\/strong>\u00a0for large clots.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Blood flow restoration<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Endarterectomy<\/strong>\u00a0for carotid plaques.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Balloon angioplasty<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>stenting<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>ICP management<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Monitor<\/strong>\u00a0intracranial pressure.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use\u00a0<strong>diuretics<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>hyperventilation<\/strong>, or\u00a0<strong>surgical decompression<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Relieve bleeding<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Surgical evacuation<\/strong>\u00a0in hemorrhagic stroke.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Supportive care<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Oxygen<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Blood pressure control<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Rehabilitation therapies<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Physical, occupational, and speech therapy.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Long-term Management<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Prevent recurrence<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Medications and lifestyle modifications.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Control of\u00a0<strong>hypertension<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>diabetes<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>hyperlipidemia<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Signs of Stroke &amp; Neurological deficits<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<table class=\"grid landscape\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr class=\"shaded\">\r\n<td><strong>Deficit<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Affected Side<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Common Signs<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Weakness or paralysis<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Hemiparesis or hemiparalysis<\/td>\r\n<td>Opposite side of brain lesion<\/td>\r\n<td>Arm\/leg drift, facial droop, limb weakness<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Sensory loss<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Loss of sensation<\/td>\r\n<td>Opposite side<\/td>\r\n<td>Numbness, tingling<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Speech difficulties<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Aphasia, dysarthria<\/td>\r\n<td>Depending on hemisphere<\/td>\r\n<td>Slurred speech, inability to speak\/understand<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Visual disturbances<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Visual field loss<\/td>\r\n<td>Opposite side<\/td>\r\n<td>Hemianopia, visual neglect<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Ataxia<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Loss of coordination<\/td>\r\n<td>Depends on area affected<\/td>\r\n<td>Unsteady gait, loss of balance<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1><strong>Assessment Tools<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<strong>NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Purpose<\/strong>: Quantifies stroke severity.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Parameters<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Level of consciousness.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Gaze and visual fields.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Facial palsy.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Motor strength (arms and legs).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sensory deficits.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Language and speech.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Extinction\/inattention.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Scores<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>0\u20134: Minor stroke.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>5\u201315: Moderate stroke.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>16\u201320: Severe stroke.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>21\u201342: Very severe (poor prognosis).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Note<\/strong>: The scale guides clinical decision-making but does\u00a0<strong>not<\/strong>\u00a0need to be memorized.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A quick tool for recognizing stroke signs.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>F<\/strong>ace drooping.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>A<\/strong>rm weakness.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>S<\/strong>peech difficulty.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>T<\/strong>ime to call\u00a0<strong>911<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Management &amp; Response<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Immediate action<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Recognize signs (<strong>FAST<\/strong>).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Call\u00a0<strong>911<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Get the person to the\u00a0<strong>hospital<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Preventive measures<\/strong>:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Control\u00a0<strong>blood pressure<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Manage\u00a0<strong>atherosclerosis<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Lifestyle:\u00a0<strong>quit smoking<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>healthy diet<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>exercise<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Cerebral blood flow interruption can cause\u00a0<strong>temporary<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>permanent<\/strong>\u00a0brain damage.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Early detection of\u00a0<strong>TIA<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>stroke symptoms<\/strong>\u00a0is critical.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Early intervention with <strong>imaging<\/strong> and <strong>clot-busting drugs<\/strong> improves outcomes.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Long-term care involves supporting <strong>recovery<\/strong> and <strong>preventing recurrence<\/strong> via medication and lifestyle change.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"<h1><strong>Vascular Disorders of the Brain: CVA and TIA Definitions:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><strong>Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):<\/strong>\u00a0 temporary disruption of blood flow within the brain, leading to neuronal dysfunction, causing temporary stroke-like symptoms.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA also known as Stroke): <\/strong>disruption of blood flow within the brain leading to neuronal cell death due to deprivation of oxygen and nutrients, causing symptoms of stroke, and long-term damage.<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Vascular disorders involve\u00a0<strong>interruption of blood supply<\/strong>\u00a0to brain tissue.<\/li>\n<li>Causes include\u00a0<strong>atherosclerosis<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>emboli<\/strong>, or\u00a0<strong>vasospasm<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Impaired blood flow leads to\u00a0<strong>neuronal ischemia<\/strong>\u00a0and damage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Causes of Brain Vascular Events:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h1><strong>1.\u00a0 Atherosclerosis<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Plaque buildup in cerebral arteries diminishes blood flow.<\/li>\n<li>Can lead to\u00a0<strong>partial or complete occlusion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>2.\u00a0 Emboli<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Traveling blood clots or debris block arteries.<\/li>\n<li>Usually originate in other parts of the body (heart, carotids).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>3.\u00a0 Vasospasm<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Sudden constriction of blood vessels.<\/li>\n<li>Dysfunction of vessel walls, causing transient ischemia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>4.\u00a0 Vessel Rupture<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Bleeding causes\u00a0<strong>hemorrhagic stroke<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Blood leakage increases ICP and adds toxicity to neurons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Types of Cerebral Ischemia<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h1><strong>1.\u00a0 Global Cerebral Ischemia<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Entire brain&#8217;s blood supply is compromised.<\/li>\n<li>Causes:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cardiac arrest<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shock<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Can lead to\u00a0<strong>brain death<\/strong>\u00a0if not promptly reversed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>2.\u00a0 Focal Ischemia (Stroke)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Affecting specific regions:\n<ul>\n<li>Causes\u00a0<strong>neurological deficits<\/strong>\u00a0depending on location.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): The \u201cMini Stroke\u201d<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Temporary\u00a0<strong>lack of oxygen<\/strong>\u00a0in a localized brain area.<\/li>\n<li>Usually due to:\n<ul>\n<li>Partial\u00a0<strong>artery occlusion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Small embolus<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vasospasm<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Symptoms:\n<ul>\n<li>Muscle weakness or paralysis.<\/li>\n<li>Speech difficulties (<strong>aphasia<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<li>Vision problems.<\/li>\n<li>Dizziness, numbness.<\/li>\n<li>Nausea and confusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Usually\u00a0<strong>full recovery<\/strong>\u00a0within minutes to hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Recurrent TIAs\u00a0<strong>predict<\/strong>\u00a0future\u00a0<strong>full strokes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Signs include\u00a0<strong>FAST<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>F<\/strong>ace drooping.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A<\/strong>rm weakness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>S<\/strong>peech difficulty.<\/li>\n<li><strong>T<\/strong>ime to call\u00a0<strong>911<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Prognosis &amp; Prevention<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Repeated TIAs<\/strong>\u00a0are\u00a0<strong>warning signs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Many\u00a0<strong>first-time strokes<\/strong>\u00a0occur after a TIA.<\/li>\n<li>In the US:\n<ul>\n<li>One stroke every\u00a0<strong>45 seconds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1 in 15 deaths<\/strong>\u00a0attributed to stroke.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Early recognition and treatment\u00a0<strong>save lives<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>CVA Diagnosis and Imaging<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Crucial<\/strong>\u00a0for confirming stroke type and extent.<\/li>\n<li>Imaging options:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>CT scan<\/strong>: rapid detection of bleeding or infarct.<\/li>\n<li><strong>MRI<\/strong>: detailed visualization, especially of ischemia.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Angiography<\/strong>: blood vessel blockage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ultrasound<\/strong>: carotid artery flow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assessment<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Identify\u00a0<strong>location<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>size<\/strong>\u00a0of the lesion.<\/li>\n<li>Detect\u00a0<strong>hemorrhages<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>ischemic areas<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>CVA Treatment Strategies<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Clot removal and clot-busting<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Thrombolytic<\/strong>\u00a0medications (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator, tPA).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mechanical thrombectomy<\/strong>\u00a0for large clots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Blood flow restoration<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Endarterectomy<\/strong>\u00a0for carotid plaques.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Balloon angioplasty<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>stenting<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>ICP management<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Monitor<\/strong>\u00a0intracranial pressure.<\/li>\n<li>Use\u00a0<strong>diuretics<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>hyperventilation<\/strong>, or\u00a0<strong>surgical decompression<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Relieve bleeding<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Surgical evacuation<\/strong>\u00a0in hemorrhagic stroke.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Supportive care<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Oxygen<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Blood pressure control<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rehabilitation therapies<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Physical, occupational, and speech therapy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Long-term Management<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prevent recurrence<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Medications and lifestyle modifications.<\/li>\n<li>Control of\u00a0<strong>hypertension<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>diabetes<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>hyperlipidemia<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Signs of Stroke &amp; Neurological deficits<\/strong><\/h1>\n<table class=\"grid landscape\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"shaded\">\n<td><strong>Deficit<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Description<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Affected Side<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Common Signs<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Weakness or paralysis<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Hemiparesis or hemiparalysis<\/td>\n<td>Opposite side of brain lesion<\/td>\n<td>Arm\/leg drift, facial droop, limb weakness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Sensory loss<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Loss of sensation<\/td>\n<td>Opposite side<\/td>\n<td>Numbness, tingling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Speech difficulties<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Aphasia, dysarthria<\/td>\n<td>Depending on hemisphere<\/td>\n<td>Slurred speech, inability to speak\/understand<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Visual disturbances<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Visual field loss<\/td>\n<td>Opposite side<\/td>\n<td>Hemianopia, visual neglect<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Ataxia<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Loss of coordination<\/td>\n<td>Depends on area affected<\/td>\n<td>Unsteady gait, loss of balance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Assessment Tools<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><strong>NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Purpose<\/strong>: Quantifies stroke severity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parameters<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Level of consciousness.<\/li>\n<li>Gaze and visual fields.<\/li>\n<li>Facial palsy.<\/li>\n<li>Motor strength (arms and legs).<\/li>\n<li>Sensory deficits.<\/li>\n<li>Language and speech.<\/li>\n<li>Extinction\/inattention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Scores<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>0\u20134: Minor stroke.<\/li>\n<li>5\u201315: Moderate stroke.<\/li>\n<li>16\u201320: Severe stroke.<\/li>\n<li>21\u201342: Very severe (poor prognosis).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Note<\/strong>: The scale guides clinical decision-making but does\u00a0<strong>not<\/strong>\u00a0need to be memorized.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A quick tool for recognizing stroke signs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>F<\/strong>ace drooping.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A<\/strong>rm weakness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>S<\/strong>peech difficulty.<\/li>\n<li><strong>T<\/strong>ime to call\u00a0<strong>911<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Management &amp; Response<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Immediate action<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize signs (<strong>FAST<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<li>Call\u00a0<strong>911<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Get the person to the\u00a0<strong>hospital<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preventive measures<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Control\u00a0<strong>blood pressure<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Manage\u00a0<strong>atherosclerosis<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Lifestyle:\u00a0<strong>quit smoking<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>healthy diet<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>exercise<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Cerebral blood flow interruption can cause\u00a0<strong>temporary<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>permanent<\/strong>\u00a0brain damage.<\/li>\n<li>Early detection of\u00a0<strong>TIA<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>stroke symptoms<\/strong>\u00a0is critical.<\/li>\n<li>Early intervention with <strong>imaging<\/strong> and <strong>clot-busting drugs<\/strong> improves outcomes.<\/li>\n<li>Long-term care involves supporting <strong>recovery<\/strong> and <strong>preventing recurrence<\/strong> via medication and lifestyle change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"author":1370,"menu_order":25,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":["zoe-soon"],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[60],"license":[57],"class_list":["post-5511","chapter","type-chapter","status-web-only","hentry","contributor-zoe-soon","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":76,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5511","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1370"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5511\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5521,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5511\/revisions\/5521"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/76"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5511\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5511"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=5511"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=5511"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=5511"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}