Cerebrovascular Accident
Cerebrovascular Accident is a neurologic term involving the brain, spinal cord, cranial pathways, peripheral nerves or a disorder affecting nervous-system function.
The symptoms associated with cerebrovascular accident reflect the neural structures involved and can affect movement, sensation, coordination, cognition, speech or consciousness.
A focused neurologic examination helps localize dysfunction before CT, MRI, electrophysiology, laboratory testing or cerebrospinal-fluid studies are selected; this helps distinguish cerebrovascular accident from clinically similar conditions.
Sudden onset of findings related to cerebrovascular accident can signal an emergency, whereas slowly progressive symptoms may suggest degenerative, compressive or inherited disease.
Treatment targets the cause while rehabilitation and symptom management help preserve independence and reduce secondary neurologic complications.
Prognosis with cerebrovascular accident depends on the mechanism and extent of neural injury as well as the speed with which reversible causes are recognized.
A focused neurologic examination helps localize dysfunction before CT, MRI, electrophysiology, laboratory testing or cerebrospinal-fluid studies are selected; this helps distinguish cerebrovascular accident from clinically similar conditions.
Sudden onset of findings related to cerebrovascular accident can signal an emergency, whereas slowly progressive symptoms may suggest degenerative, compressive or inherited disease.
Treatment targets the cause while rehabilitation and symptom management help preserve independence and reduce secondary neurologic complications.
Prognosis with cerebrovascular accident depends on the mechanism and extent of neural injury as well as the speed with which reversible causes are recognized.
This information is for general awareness only and is not medical advice. Consult a doctor for any health concern.