Stroke

Stroke is an acute onset of neurological dysfunction due to abnormality in cerebral function with resultant signs and symptoms that correspond to involvement of focal areas of the brain. The term cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) is used interchangeably with stroke to refer to the cerebrovascular conditions that accompany either ischemic or hemorrhagic lesions. Clinically, a variety of deficits are possible, including changes in the level of consciousness, and impairments of sensory, motor, cognitive, perceptual, and language functions.To be classified as stroke, focal neurological deficits must persist for at least 24 hours. Motor deficits in Stroke are characterized by paralysis (hemiplegic) or weakness (hemi paresis), typically on the side of the body opposite the site of lesion. The term hemiplegic is often used generically to refer to the wide variety of problems those results from stroke.