Stroke (CVA)
A stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted by bleeding (brain haemorrhage) or by the blockage of a blood vessel (cerebral infarction). It is also known colloquially as an ‘attack’.
The nature and severity of the symptoms depend to a large extent on the site, the size and the cause of the infarction or the bleeding, but in each case they occur suddenly.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Neurology service offer?
- What are the symptoms of a stroke?
- What is the difference between a brain infarction and a brain haemorrhage?
- What is a TIA?
What does the Neurology service offer?
If you come to the Accident & Emergency department with the symptoms of a stroke, you will be examined as quickly as possible to see if you are indeed suffering a stroke. In addition to a thorough neurological examination, a blood test and a brain scan are also carried out. On the basis of these examinations, the doctor determines what treatment is most suitable:
- With a brain infarction, treatment involving thrombolysis (intravenous administration of an agent to dissolve clots) and/or a thrombectomy (removal of a clot via a catheter passed through to the blood vessels in the brain from the groin) may be an option. The quicker this treatment is started, the more effective it usually proves to be.
- With most brain haemorrhages, the treatment consists mainly of optimal monitoring of the blood vessels. In rare cases, the advice of the neurosurgeon is sought to discuss the indication for surgery.
Once primary care has been provided in the Accident & Emergency department, you are admitted to the Stroke Unit in the Neurology service. If you have a thrombectomy, you are admitted to Intensive Care.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
The following symptoms, appearing suddenly, are a warning sign:
- Paralysis or sensitivity problems in the arm, leg or face
- Confusion, trouble speaking or trouble understanding people
- Drooping face or blindness in one or both eyes
- Double vision
- Trouble walking, dizziness or balance problems
- Very severe headache
If someone displays one or more of these systems, he or she has probably had a stroke. Don’t wait to see whether the symptoms go away by themselves. Every minute counts! Call 112!
What is the difference between a brain infarction and a brain haemorrhage?
With a brain infarction, the brain is damaged by a blockage of a blood vessel. The blood vessel may be obstructed by a build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis) or by a clot (embolism) from a blood vessel in another location or from the heart.
With a brain haemorrhage, a tear occurs in a blood vessel in the brain and blood flows into the brain tissue, damaging it.
Read more under the photo.
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| Brain infarction | Brain haemmorrhage |
What is a TIA?
TIA is the abbreviation for 'Transient Ischaemic Attack', which is a temporary stroke. The symptoms may last a few minutes, not usually longer than 20. Occasionally, the symptoms last somewhat longer, but they disappear within one day.
TIAs may foreshadow a far more serious stroke: the risk of a stroke with lasting consequences (handicap) can rise to more than 10% in the first week after a TIA. The examination and treatment of a TIA are intended to reduce the risk of a stroke with lasting consequences.
When the symptoms actually occur, it is not possible to distinguish between a CVA and a TIA. Consequently, just as with a CVA, it is important to come to the hospital as quickly as possible.