Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)

The two main causes of a stroke are blockage (ischemic stroke) and rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) in the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain.

The two main types of ischemic strokes are thrombotic and embolic.

Thrombotic strokes typically occur during or after sleep and have a stepwise progression, while embolic strokes have a sudden onset and are not related to activity.

<p>Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke, accounting for approximately 80% of all cases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood supply to the brain, which can precede both thrombotic and embolic ischemic strokes. TIAs occur in 30-50% of thrombotic strokes, but are less common in embolic strokes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thrombotic strokes have a stepwise progression, with signs and symptoms developing slowly, and often some improvement over time. In contrast, embolic strokes have a sudden onset, with signs and symptoms developing quickly, and a higher risk of recurrence without aggressive treatment of the underlying disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cerebral infarction</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rupture of microaneurysms in brain arterioles due to prolonged hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The irritant effect of the blood in the subarachnoid space</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Headache</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The presence of coma</p> Signup and view all the answers