CVA (general)
The World Health Organization defines 'stroke' as a rapidly developed clinical sign of focal disturbance of cerebral function of presumed vascular origin and of more than 24 hours duration'.
Cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) can be due to either infarction or haemorrhage. Infarction is more common than haemorrhage (4:1), and strokes due to haemorrhage tend to be more serious.
Haemorrhage
Intracranial haemorrhage can be divided into primary intracranial haemorrhage (mainly due to hypertension) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (caused by rupture of an aneurysm or angioma).
Primary intracranial haemorrhage is most common between the ages of 60-80. The onset is usually during exertion (thrombosis occurs during sleep).
Infarction
Infarction can be due to thrombosis or embolism (thrombosis is more common). It is caused by atherosclerosis the main cause of which is hypertension. Recovery from embolism is generally quicker and more complete than after thrombosis since collateral channels are more readily available.
Scanning
CT scanning is more capable at distinguishing between infarcts and haemorrhage early on and is thus the investigation of choice during the first 48 hours after a stroke.
Cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) can be due to either infarction or haemorrhage. Infarction is more common than haemorrhage (4:1), and strokes due to haemorrhage tend to be more serious.
Haemorrhage
Intracranial haemorrhage can be divided into primary intracranial haemorrhage (mainly due to hypertension) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (caused by rupture of an aneurysm or angioma).
Primary intracranial haemorrhage is most common between the ages of 60-80. The onset is usually during exertion (thrombosis occurs during sleep).
Infarction
Infarction can be due to thrombosis or embolism (thrombosis is more common). It is caused by atherosclerosis the main cause of which is hypertension. Recovery from embolism is generally quicker and more complete than after thrombosis since collateral channels are more readily available.
Scanning
CT scanning is more capable at distinguishing between infarcts and haemorrhage early on and is thus the investigation of choice during the first 48 hours after a stroke.
