What is a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) more commonly known as?

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is more commonly known as a stroke. This term encompasses two primary types of strokes: ischemic, which occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked, and hemorrhagic, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. The resultant lack of blood flow to the brain can lead to brain cell death and significant neurological impairment, highlighting the seriousness of a stroke.

Recognizing a CVA as a stroke is crucial in medical settings as rapid intervention can minimize potential damage and improve outcomes. Effective treatment often hinges on how quickly a stroke is identified and addressed.

The other terms listed refer to different medical conditions altogether. A heart attack pertains to issues with blood supply to the heart muscle, while seizures involve abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A concussion is a kind of brain injury typically caused by trauma, often resulting in temporary cognitive dysfunction but not necessarily related to blood flow issues like those present in a stroke.