Question

Compare and contrast the pathophysiological processes involved in the following types of cerebral vascular accidents:
a. Hemorrhagic
b. Ischemic

Answer 1

Difference between pathological process of hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke or CVA

a. Hemorrhagic cerebro vascular accident.

         Pathophysiology

                  * In hemorrhagic stroke due to cerebral aneurysm(dilated blood vessels in brain) rupture or

                     head injury result in spilling of blood from blood vessels to brain tissues.

                  * It leads to swelling and increased pressure (Intracranial pressure) inside the cranial cavity

                * If the hemorrages occur subarchnoid space of brain is known as subarachnoid hemorrhage

                   and it occurs within the brain known as intracerebral hemorrhage.

                * Hemorrahages in the brain result in inadequate supply od oxygen and nutrients into brain

                  tissues for normal functioning result in clinical manifestations like muscular weakness or

                  paralysis, altered level consciousness,speaking difficulties,seizures etc.

b. Ischemic cerebro vascular accident.

         Pathophysiology

                 * In ischemic stoke blockage of blood vessels which supply blood to brain tissues occur

                    due to clot formation or embolus (moving clots) coming other areas of the body through

                    circulation.

                 * Blockage of blood vessels in the brain result in inadequate blood supply to brain tissues

                   and inablility of brain cells to meet the oxygen and nutrient demand for normal functioning

                   result in clinical manifestations like speech abnormalities,muscle paralysis,blurried vision

                   vertigo etc.