Sergi Lee Orate BSN 3

Introduction

Cerebrovascular Disease

Cerebrovascular disease is a group of brain dysfunction related to disease of blood vessels

supplying the brain. Hypertension is the most important cause that damage the blood vessel
lining endothelium exposing the underlying collagen where platelets aggregate to initiate a
repairing process which is not always complete and perfect. Primarily people who are elderly have
cerebrovascular disease.

Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

An MCA stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the areas of the brain that receive blood through
the middle cerebral artery.

The MCA is by far the largest cerebral artery and is the vessel most commonly affected by
cerebrovascular accident. The MCA supplies most of the outer convex brain surface, nearly all
the basal ganglia, and the posterior and anterior internal capsules. Infarcts that occur within the
vast distribution of this vessel lead to diverse neurologic sequelae.

A stroke, which is also known as a cerebrovascular accident, is defined as a non-traumatic brain

injury that is caused by disruption of blood flow to part of the brain.

MCA strokes are generally embolic as opposed to thrombotic. This means that usually a middle
cerebral artery stroke is caused by a blood clot that travelled from elsewhere in the body,
typically from the heart or from the carotid artery, and lodged in the middle cerebral artery,
blocking blood flow.

This disruption of blood flow means that this specific part of the brain is being deprived of the
nutrients and oxygen it needs to survive, so it results in cell death to that area of the brain.
Effects

Movement
Changes in Movement
The loss of movement or weakness occurs on the right side of the body.
Often the muscles of the mouth, the tongue, and throat may be affected, making it hard to speak
or swallow.

Sensation
Not feeling when they are being touched or knowing where the touch is. Ì For example,
something touching their foot may feel a touch on the leg. Ì Not being able to tell what an object
is by touching it. Ì Not feeling pain or temperature in that area.

Not knowing where their body is and how it is moving.

Attention
A person that had a stroke on the left side may have problems with attention. They may not be
able to focus to complete a task, even when it is something they wish to do.
Problems with memory and motivation are common and it can be hard to form new memories.
Problems with reading, writing, and doing math are common.

The person with this stroke may confuse left and right.

Memory

Judgement

Speech
Most people have two parts of the brain that control language on the left side of their brain. Both
of these areas are supplied by different parts of the middle cerebral artery. Problems with speech
and understanding language, called aphasia, are common with this type of stroke.
General Objectives

After 8 hours of case presentation, the level III – Group 2 students will gain further understanding
and extensive knowledge, regarding Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke. To properly plan, provide
and evaluate holistic care provided to the patient during the clinical rotation.

Specific Objectives

The level III – group 2 students will be able to:

• Know the etiology of the disease; its causes, signs and symptoms, and complications.
• Recognize the contributing risk factors associated in the development of the complication.
• Determine the contrast between the anatomical and physiological structure involved in the
damage and pathophysiological explanation of Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke.

• Understand the pathophysiology of Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke.

• Describe the diagnostic tests used and its results
• Learn the basic and appropriate nursing interventions, treatment plan, and prognosis of Left
Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke.

• Understand the role of drug therapy in managing the client with Left Middle Cerebral Artery
Stroke.

• Learn about management and rehabilitation factors that optimizes health.