Word parts
What it means
The older formal name for a stroke. In an ischemic stroke, the most common kind, a clot blocks an artery and brain tissue is starved of oxygen. In a hemorrhagic stroke, a vessel breaks and bleeds into or around the brain. Brain cells die quickly, so treatment is time-critical. A transient ischemic attackTRAN-zee-unt is-KEE-mik uh-TAKA short-lived blockage of blood flow to part of the brain that clears on its own and leaves no lasting brain damage.transient passingisch hold back-emic relating to the bloodFull entry is a short warning episode.
For the nurse
Note the time the client was last known well and act fast: tools such as BE FAST (balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, time) help. Check blood glucose, keep the client NPO until a swallow screen is passed, and do frequent neuro checks.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | CVA |
|---|---|
| Spanish | accidente cerebrovascular |
| Also written | cerebrovascular accidents |
Related terms
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
paralysis
Loss of the ability to move a part of the body, and sometimes loss of feeling in it.
ischemia
Too little blood flow to a part of the body, so the tissue does not get enough oxygen.
transient ischemic attack
A short-lived blockage of blood flow to part of the brain that clears on its own and leaves no lasting brain damage.