Definition

Noun: A sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain; a stroke.

Usage

"CVA" is a medical acronym used primarily by healthcare professionals. It describes a specific, acute medical event involving the brain's blood supply. It is a formal and technical term.

Examples

• The patient was admitted to the hospital after suffering a CVA.
• Risk factors for a CVA include high blood pressure and smoking.
• The doctor explained that the CVA had caused weakness on the patient's left side.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in clinical notes, diagnoses, and medical discussions. In general or patient-friendly communication, the word "stroke" is more common.
• It can be specified further as an ischemic CVA (caused by a blockage) or a hemorrhagic CVA (caused by a rupture).

Variants and Related Words

• Stroke: The common, non-technical synonym for CVA.
• Cerebrovascular Accident: The full term for which CVA is the acronym.
• Brain Attack: An informal term sometimes used to emphasize the urgency, similar to "heart attack."

Synonyms

• Stroke
• Cerebrovascular accident
• Brain attack

Notes on Meaning

"CVA" refers specifically to the acute event of disrupted blood flow to the brain. It is not used to describe the long-term condition or residual effects, which are referred to as "post-stroke" conditions or "stroke sequelae."

Noun

1. a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain