Question

cva case study

Answer 1

Cerebrovascular Accident

Cerebrovascular Accident also known as Stroke. It is a condition characterised by the loss of brain function arising when the blood supply to the specific part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. Stroke may happen due to the blockage of blood vessels ( Ischemic stroke)or rupture of blood vessels ( haemorrhagic stroke)that supplied to the different parts of the brain.

Risk factors

1. Hypertension( It increases the pressure in the blood vessels and may cause rupture of tiny blood vessels in the brain)

2. High cholesterol( leads to formation of atheroma or fatty plaques in the blood vessels , resulting in blockage of blood supply.

3. Other risk factors are obesity, smoking, diabetes, advanced age and family history.

symptoms

*Weakness or numbness of the one side of the body ( specially face and arms) that felt suddenly.

* Slurred speech

* loss of balance/ dizziness or loss of consciousness

* severe head ache

* mental confusion

Diagnosis

- history collection , physical examinations , ( for assessing the symptoms,mini mental status examination, check the coordination of movement, balance, numbness and speech)

- CT scan or MRI

- Electrocardiogram/ echocardiogram

- Electroencephlogram

Treatment

First aid: Call 911, place causality in a comfortable position. Side lying position with head slightly raised with support to drain the saliva or vomitus, if present. Do not give anything orally, monitor breathing. Start CPR if it is necessary.

Immediate treatment

* Administer tissue plasminogen activator( tPA) according to physician order.(to dissolve the clot, there by restarting the blood supply)

* Blood thinners such as heparin, Apixaban and edoxaban

*Antihypertensive drugs( haemorrhagic shock) to stop bleeding.

* Surgical treatment for haemorrhagic shock( to remove excess blood), arteriovenous malformation repair.

Stroke rehabilitation

To restore the skills stroke rehabilitation is needed such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitation services.

Prevention

* Maintain healthy body weight by proper diet and exercise

* Manage proper blood sugar level and blood pressure level.

* Avoid smoking and alcoholism.

* Relax and live a stress free life

* Healthy lifestyle ( avoid junk foods, regular exercise).

Compare the disease condition with your patient picture for writing a good case study.