Ch.9 Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) in Dental Hygiene

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) emergencies, classifications, and clinical assessments within a dental hygiene context.

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

An abnormal condition of the brain caused by hemorrhage of a blood vessel or occlusion, resulting in a lack of blood supply and oxygen to brain tissues leading to cell death.

Hemorrhagic CVA

A type of stroke involving a blood vessel that ruptures inside of the brain.

Intracerebral CVA

A variation of hemorrhagic CVA where a blood vessel ruptures within the tissue of the brain, making up $10\%$ of hemorrhagic cases.

Subarachnoid CVA

A variation of hemorrhagic CVA where a blood vessel on the surface of the brain ruptures in the subarachnoid space, making up $5\%$ of hemorrhagic cases.

Ischemic CVA

A blockage of a blood vessel within the brain resulting in oxygen deficiency, accounting for $85\%$ of all CVAs.

Thrombotic CVA

A type of ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot composed of platelets, fibrin, and cellular elements, making up $60\%$ of ischemic cases.

Embolic CVA

A type of ischemic stroke caused by a foreign object, air, or gas that circulates and becomes lodged in a blood vessel, making up $40\%$ of ischemic cases.

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS)

A scale used by EMS personnel to detect CVA consisting of three components: facial palsy, arm motor weakness, and dysarthria.

Facial palsy

A component of the CPSS where the provider observes for weakness or drooping on one side of the face while the patient smiles.

Arm motor weakness

A component of the CPSS where the patient holds arms out with palms up and eyes closed for approximately $10\,\text{seconds}$ while the provider observes for weakness in one arm.

Dysarthria

Difficulty in speech observed while a patient recites a simple sentence such as "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

Semi-supine position

The recommended patient positioning during a CVA to maintain oxygen flow and keep pressure off the head.

Alteplase (r-tPA)

A recombinant tissue plasminogen activator used for ischemic strokes occurring under $3\,\text{hours}$ ago to remove a thrombus or embolus and restore blood flow.

Atrial fibrillation

A common disease occurring when the two atria quiver instead of beating properly, increasing the risk of CVA.

Carotid bruit

An abnormal sound in the carotid artery that serves as an etiology for CVA.

Hypoglycemia

A condition that can mimic stroke symptoms, characterized by glucose levels below $70$.

Time is Brain

A phrase created by the American Stroke Association to emphasize the importance of rapid action during a CVA.

Brain attack

A term recently pushed to replace the word "stroke" to assist the public in being more aware of CVA signs and symptoms.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, a symptom often associated with Ischemic CVA.