DEFINITION A cerebrovascular accident is also called CVA, brain attack, cerebral infarction or stroke.

A stroke is caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain, usually because a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage to the brain tissue. An ischemic cerebrovascular accident occurs when a brain artery has been blocked. A hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident occurs when an artery ruptures or leaks. RISK FACTORS High blood pressure Atrial Fibrillation Diabetes Family History of stroke High cholesterol Increasing age (55 years old >) Race (Black people are most likely to die of stroke) Being overweight or obese Excessive alcohol consumption Smoking Eating too much salt or fat Taking cocaine and other illegal drugs SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body. Confusion difficulty speaking or understanding speech difficulty seeing with one or both eyes difficulty walking dizziness loss of balance or coordination severe headache with no known cause fainting or unconsciousness.