... hypertension and high cholesterol levels. These medical conditions are the main possible causes of a Cerebrovascular accident alongside his contributing lifestyle factors and social history, such as smoking. 'Constricting the blood supply and promoting clotting are two ways in which smoking can make it more likely that a stroke will occur' (MacWalter and Fraser 2003 pg 9). A Cerebrovascular Accident is diagnosed from a patient's medical history and current clinical findings as a result of extensive tests and investigations. Pathophysiological Processes The clinical definition of a Cerebrovascular Accident is defined by Stevens and Lowe (2000 pg 437) as 'a sudden onset of a non-traumatic focal neurological deficit that causes death or lasts for over twenty-four hours'. This results in insufficient blood supply to the brain therefore affecting cells by the disruption in the supply of oxygen. The causes of strokes are divided into two main groups; Ischaemic, caused by cerebral infarction and ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now