What characterizes ischemic CVA?

Ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke, is primarily characterized by the sudden blockage of blood flow to the brain. This blockage is typically caused by a clot, which prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain tissue. As a result, the affected part of the brain cannot function properly, leading to a variety of neurological deficits depending on which area of the brain is impacted.

This blockage can occur due to several factors, including the formation of a thrombus (a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel) or an embolism (a clot that travels from another part of the body to the brain). The sudden onset of symptoms, such as weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination, correlates directly with the abrupt interruption of blood flow.

In contrast, other options don't accurately describe ischemic CVA: temporary stroke-like symptoms suggest a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is not permanent and differs from ischemic CVA; permanent damage to brain tissue can occur after sustained ischemia but is not a defining characteristic; and sudden loss of blood in the brain implies hemorrhagic stroke, which involves bleeding rather than blockage. Therefore, the concept of sudden blockage of blood flow aptly encapsulates what characterizes an ischem