Final answer:
Ischemic CVAs are generally caused by blood clots or arterial narrowing, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain. Symptoms include paralysis on one side, speech difficulties, and confusion among others, and can result in varying levels of long-term disability. Transient ischemic attacks have similar symptoms that are temporary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Causes and Symptoms of Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVAs):
Two general causes of an ischemic CVA include the formation of a blood clot within an artery supplying the brain, or an embolus (such as a clot or fat deposit) traveling to the brain and lodging in a vessel, blocking blood flow. The second cause is a result of arterial narrowing due to a thickening of the vessel wall or a decrease in blood volume within the brain, known as hypovolemia.
Symptoms of CVAs can vary but commonly include an inability to move or feel on one side of the body, difficulty with speech or understanding, memory issues, confusion, dizziness, and for hemorrhagic strokes, possibly a severe headache. These symptoms may lead to temporary or permanent disability depending on the stroke's severity and the speed of treatment. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) displays similar symptoms that resolve within 24 hours due to the restoration of blood flow.