Stroke

Stroke is the common term for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). It is thought to reflect the historic term apoplexy, which translates from Greek to thunderstuck down by lightning. This implies the rapid progression of its symptoms. A CVA or stroke occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is sufficiently interrupted to result in brain [Page 1849]damage. Given the American Heart Association’s success in making the public aware of the symptoms of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and the importance of a rapid response to such a medical emergency, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, has endorsed the term brain attack for stroke. Regardless of their work setting, Speech–Language pathologists and audiologists may encounter stroke survivors as their ...