Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

A cerebrovascular accident, also known as a stroke, happens when blood flow is lost to part of the brain. When the blood stops flowing, the brain cells can die within a few minutes, leading to brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

There are two types of strokes:

  • Ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot
  • Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” TIAs happen when the blood supply to the brain is blocked for a short time, but the damage to the brain cells isn’t permanent.

There are treatments for strokes which include medicines, surgery, and rehabilitation. Which therapies you get depends on the type of stroke and the stage of treatment.