A Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) is the medical term for a stroke. It occurs when there is an interruption in the flow of blood to cells in the brain, either by a blockage or the rupture of a blood vessel. When the cells in the brain are deprived of oxygen, they can die, leading to potentially severe and long-lasting effects.

Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability worldwide. Approximately 85% of strokes are ischemic, meaning they are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain. The rest are hemorrhagic, meaning they are caused by bleeding in the brain.

Treatment for a stroke may include medications to help reduce the risk of having another stroke, such as anti-platelet drugs. Other treatments may include devices that deliver positive airway pressure to keep the airway open while sleeping, and avoiding illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, which are established risk factors for a stroke.