Stroke (CVA)

Definition

A cerebrovascular accident—when blood supply to the brain gets interrupted and brain tissue starts dying. Time is brain tissue, which is why 'time is money' applies here literally.

Example Usage

The patient presented with acute ischemic stroke and was within the thrombolytic window for tPA administration.

Origin

From Old Norse 'stroca' (to strike); CVA from 'cerebrovascular accident'

Fun Fact

Every minute during stroke, 1.9 million neurons die; this is why 'time is brain' is literally true—delay is death.

Source: Neurology standards; American Stroke Association

Related Terms

Intermediate

homeopathy

A controversial alternative medicine system based on the principle that 'like cures like' and that diluting substances makes them more powerful—which would make a drop of vodka in the ocean the most potent drink ever. Practitioners believe that water remembers the good chemicals but conveniently forgets all the poop. Scientists remain deeply skeptical, but your aunt on Facebook swears by it.

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Auscultation

The act of listening to internal body sounds with a stethoscope. A doctor's socially acceptable excuse to get uncomfortably close to your chest while you breathe awkwardly on command.

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Beginner

Autopsy

Post-mortem examination of a body to determine cause of death. Medicine's final exam when the patient can no longer complain about the diagnosis.

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inflammation

The body's aggressive defense response to injury or infection, featuring the classic quartet of redness, heat, swelling, and pain. It's your immune system going to war, with your tissues as collateral damage.

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Advanced

Adjuvant Therapy

Additional treatment given after the main therapy to improve outcomes—basically backup singers for your cancer treatment.

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perforation

An abnormal hole in an organ (like your stomach deciding it's tired of being contained)—basically when your internal architecture develops an unauthorized skylight.

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