Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke is characterized by damage to the neural tissue in the brain due to loss of blood supply. This is usually caused by the rupture of a blood vessel. The middle cerebral artery is commonly involved. The deep portions of the brain are most often involved in the CVA. Infarcts of brain tissue result in motor, sensory and communication skills impairment. The term commonly used for motor involvement in the CVA is “hemiparesis”. The means loss of motor function or weakness on one side of the body. The loss of motor function is on the contralateral side of the infarct. Communication impairments are termed aphasia. Receptive aphasia is the loss of the ability to understand the spoken word. Expressive aphasia is the inability to speak. Having both receptive and expressive aphasia is known as “Global aphasia”. Spasticity, flaccidity, loss of coordination, ataxic gait patterns and loss of muscle strength are common symptoms associated with CVA.
