Final answer:
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is disrupted. Symptoms include paralysis, trouble speaking, and confusion. Immediate treatment is crucial for recovery, and the FAST acronym helps identify stroke signs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term for a stroke is a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). This condition occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke can be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people may experience only a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which doesn't cause permanent damage.
Symptoms of a stroke can include paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg, often on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding speech (aphasia), confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, headache, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and unsteadiness. Treatment for stroke typically includes medication to dissolve clots or reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, along with various forms of rehabilitation like physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
The acronym FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services) can help identify the signs of a stroke and ensure timely treatment, which is crucial for the best possible recovery.