What is the difference between a cardiovascular and a cerebrovascular accident?

A cardiovascular accident and a cerebrovascular accident are both terms used to describe different types of strokes, which occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. However, they refer to different aspects of stroke:

1. Cardiovascular Accident (CVA): This term is sometimes used interchangeably with "stroke" and generally refers to any sudden impairment of brain function due to a disruption of blood supply to the brain. It encompasses both ischemic strokes (caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain) and hemorrhagic strokes (caused by bleeding into the brain).
2. Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA): This term specifically refers to strokes that affect the blood vessels within the brain itself. It includes both ischemic strokes (which occur when a blood clot blocks a vessel in the brain) and hemorrhagic strokes (which occur when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue).

In summary, while "cardiovascular accident" is a broad term that includes all types of strokes affecting brain function, "cerebrovascular accident" specifically focuses on strokes that affect the blood vessels within the brain.