In medical terminology, “CVA” stands for “Cerebrovascular Accident,” which is commonly known as a stroke. A stroke occurs when there is a disruption of blood flow to the brain, resulting in damage to brain tissue. Strokes can be ischemic, caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, or hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding into the brain tissue.
Usage Examples:
- Diagnosis:
- “The patient presented with sudden weakness on one side of the body and slurred speech, consistent with a CVA.”
- Medical History:
- “The patient has a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, increasing the risk of experiencing a CVA.”
- Emergency Response:
- “Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene after a witness reported symptoms suggestive of a possible CVA.”
- Diagnostic Imaging:
- “A brain MRI was performed to assess the extent of brain damage following the CVA.”
- Treatment Plan:
- “The healthcare team initiated thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the blood clot causing the ischemic CVA.”
- Rehabilitation:
- “The patient underwent intensive physical and occupational therapy to regain function following the CVA.”
- Complications:
- “Aphasia, a language impairment, is a common complication following a CVA affecting the left hemisphere of the brain.”
- Prevention Strategies:
- “Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and blood pressure management, can reduce the risk of experiencing a CVA.”
In these examples, CVA is used to refer to a cerebrovascular accident, a serious medical condition that requires prompt recognition, evaluation, and treatment to minimize potential complications and optimize patient outcomes.