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Stroke and Brain Damage

A stroke, or cardiovascular accident, causes damage to the brain when the blood supply is reduced or stopped completely, usually by the bursting of a blood vessel, or the occlusion of a vessel by a blood clot(Stroke, 2001, 1862). A thrombotic stroke occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery and blocks blood supply to part of the brain; en embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot or piece of plaque breaks away in another part of the body and blocks an artery in the brain; a lacunar stroke is the blockage of certain small blood vessels in the brain; and a cerebral hemorrhage occurs when an artery in the brain tears or bursts, causing blood to leak out into the brain tissue, and usually occurs as a result of high blood pressure or a congenital blood vessel defect. Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, endocarditis, atherosclerosis, heart arrhythmias, and a family history of stroke.

If part of the brain tissue is deprived of its blood supply by a cardiovascular accident, it dies (Stroke, 2001, 1862). Bleeding from a ruptured vessel can also damage brain tissue by exerting pressure on the cells.

A history and physical need to be carried out, if the patient is conscious to determine if there is a history of CVA, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or neurological disorders (Kistler, 1999). Blood pressure measurements are taken in both arms, the heart is checked, and the carotids examined for carotid bruits, which are abnormal swishing sounds made by the blood flow if these arteries are narrowed. A neurological examination will include tests to assess brain function, e.g. orientation, memory, motor skills, etc. Laboratory tests and urine samples will be checked to rule out infections, low blood sugars, and other symptoms which can mimic stroke.

Imaging and blood flow studies will be performed, such as computed tomography (CT), computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic r...

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Stroke and Brain Damage. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 07:38, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1687979.html