Which type of CVA is caused by a blockage of a blood vessel in the brain?

An ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly referred to as a stroke, is specifically characterized by a blockage of blood vessels supplying the brain. This interruption in blood flow can result from various factors such as embolism, thrombosis, or systemic hypoperfusion. The affected brain tissue becomes deprived of oxygen and essential nutrients, leading to cellular injury and potential neuronal death if the blockage is not resolved swiftly.

This type of stroke accounts for the majority of CVA cases, emphasizing the significance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to restore blood flow and minimize brain damage. Understanding the pathophysiology behind ischemic CVA helps in recognizing the critical importance of managing risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and atrial fibrillation, which can contribute to these blockages.

In contrast, hemorrhagic CVAs occur due to the rupture of a blood vessel, resulting in bleeding within or around the brain, while a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a specific type of hemorrhagic stroke that involves bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissues covering it. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often considered a "mini-stroke," characterized by temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, but it typically resolves within minutes to