What is a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)?


A stroke occurs due to an interruption in the blood flow to the brain, either because a blood vessel is blocked, or has ruptured. This results in an inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain, leading to brain damage. 

A stroke can occur in any area of the brain. The site and extent of the affected area determines loss of function (Orchanian, & Jamison, 2012).

Image retrieved from: https://neuroscience.natsci.msu.edu/outreach/at-home-activities/brain-puzzle/ 

“CVA is the second most common cause of adult disability worldwide, with estimates that 70% to 80% of ischemic strokes result in long-term motor impairment” (Immink, Hillier, & Petkov, 2014, p. 256). 

Since CVA’s occur suddenly, and have lasting effects, it is important for occupational therapists to have a tool which not only helps prevent CVA’s, but also helps individuals rehabilitate following a CVA, promoting re- engagement in occupations (Immink, Hillier, & Petkov, 2014).

References:
Immink, M. A., Hillier, S., Petkov, J. (2014). Randomised controlled trial of yoga for chronic poststroke Hemiparesis: Motor function, mental health, and quality of life outcomes. Topics In Stroke Rehabilitation, 21(3), 256-271. Doi: 10.1310/tsr2103-256

Orchanian, D. P., & Jamison, P. W. (2012). Cerebrovascular Accident. In B. J. Atchison & D. K. Dirette (Eds.), Conditions in occupational therapy: Effect on occupational performance (4th ed.). (pp. 127-152). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Comments

  1. Unknown6 August 2017 at 00:56

    So helpful to have the picture for this post! This was explained so clearly, you obviously have a great background knowledge on this, have you had a placement in stroke before?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown6 August 2017 at 02:21

      Thank you for reading Amy! I have spent one day on a stroke rehab ward, but I would love to end up working with stroke patients!

      Delete

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