CEREBROVASCULAR EVENT, TIA, AND WARNING SIGNS

Enrique Pérez – Lic. en Enfermería (BSN)

A cerebrovascular event (CVE) occurs when a blood vessel carrying blood and oxygen to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. When this happens, the neurons do not receive the blood and oxygen they need to survive. This causes them to stop functioning and die within minutes, leading to impairment in the part of the body they control.

The effects of a cerebrovascular event (CVE) can be permanent, depending on how many cells are lost, the part of the brain where the event occurs, and other factors. In Mexico, CVEs are the 6th leading cause of death, the 2nd leading cause of dementia, and the number 1 cause of severe long-term disability in adults. CVEs can cause weakness, paralysis, and speech impairments.

What is a TIA?

A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a “warning stroke” that occurs when a blood clot temporarily blocks an artery. The symptoms of a TIA are the same as those of a CVE, but they usually last only a few minutes. About 12% of CVEs are preceded by transient ischemic attacks, so never ignore a TIA. Call 911 immediately!

Can a CVEs be prevented?

Yes, cerebrovascular events (CVEs) can largely be prevented. You can reduce your risk of having a CVE by adopting a healthy lifestyle: controlling high blood pressure, not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, managing diabetes, and drinking alcohol in moderation or avoiding it altogether.

Is there treatment for a CVE?

If you’re experiencing a CVE, time is critical. Immediate treatment can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. The treatment will vary depending on the type of CVE you have.

For ischemic strokes, a clot-dissolving medication called alteplase (IV r-tPA) is available. This medication can reduce the risk of disability by breaking up the clot that may be blocking blood flow to the brain. To be eligible for alteplase, a doctor must diagnose your CVE as ischemic, and treatment must begin within 3 to 4.5 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. The quicker the treatment, the better your chances of recovery.

Another treatment option is called mechanical thrombectomy. For eligible patients with large clots in an artery, this procedure should be performed as soon as possible within 24 hours of the first stroke symptoms.

Patients eligible for alteplase should receive it before undergoing a mechanical thrombectomy. In this procedure, specialized doctors attempt to remove the clot using a device called a stent retriever. To extract the clot, a catheter with a stent is inserted through an artery in the groin and guided to the blocked artery in the brain. The stent opens to capture the clot, which is then removed along with the stent.

What are the Warning Signs of a CVE?

You and your family should recognize the warning signs of a CVE. You may exhibit some or all of these signs. Note the time symptoms begin, and immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency medical services. A CVE is a medical emergency.

DO NOT IGNORE THESE SIGNS, EVEN IF THEY GO AWAY.