CVA/ Stroke Brain Surgery

CVA / Stroke, Brain Surgery

The term “Stroke” is used to describe a sudden neurological deficit of vascular aetiology lasting more than 24 hours. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) indicates a transient neurological deficit of vascular origin lasting lasting less than 24 hours, although many patients with TIAs have suffered minor strokes.

Stroke is categorized as cerebral infarction, signifying ischaemic brain damage or cerebral haemorrhage, where the primary pathology involves vascular rupture and estravasation of blood into the surrounding tissues or compartments. The term ‘haemorrhagic’ is used to describe an infarct into which there has been a secondary extravasation of blood.

Risk factors and associated disease

·         Age and sex

·         Hypertension

·         Heart disease

·         Diabetes

·         Smoking

·         Polycythaemia

·         Alcohol