Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)
A cerebral vascular accident - which is otherwise known as a stroke - is a serious medical emergency. The instant a stroke is suspected, it is crucial to seek high-quality medical care. The neurosurgeons and specialists of Greater Houston Neurosurgery Center in The Woodlands, TX offer exceptional expertise and experience to their patients.
Understanding Strokes
Strokes occur in one of two ways: through ischemia or hemorrhage. An ischemic stroke is the result of a clot that has obstructed the blood flow to a part of the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures also preventing blood flow to the brain. Once a part of the brain is blocked it cannot receive oxygen and other vital nutrients and therefore begins to die. The part of the body that is controlled by the affected part of the brain will also be negatively affected. Recognizing the signs of a stroke are important as immediate action should be taken. Look for any of the following signs indicating a stroke, and make note of the time the signs appear as this information will be of great importance to a healthcare professional:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Strokes are A Serious Medical Emergency
Stroke is the number 3 cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States according the American Stroke Assocation. Brain damage happens within minutes of a stroke occuring. GHNC offers assistance in the prevention of stroke, acute therapy (the dissolving of a clot or the stopping of bleeding of a ruptured blood vessel) and post-stroke rehabilitation (i.e. medicinal therapy).