cerebrovascular accident (CVA), an abnormal condition of the brain characterized by occlusion by an embolus, thrombus, or cerebrovascular hemorrhage or vasospasm, resulting in ischemia of the brain tissues normally perfused by the damaged vessels. The sequelae of a cerebrovascular insult depend on the location and extent of ischemia. Paralysis, weakness, sensory change, speech defect, aphasia, or death may occur. Symptoms remit somewhat after the first few days as brain swelling subsides. In the United States, 80% of cerebrovascular incidents are ischemic and 20% are hemorrhagic. Also called brain attack, cerebrovascular insult, stroke.
