Cerebrovascular Accident Pathophysiology
Through the process of cerebral autoregulation, blood flow to the brain is maintained at a fairly constant rate of 1000mL/min. In the event of a CVA, ischemia occurs in the brain tissue supplied by the affected artery. Ischemia leads to hypoxia or anoxia and hypoglycemia.
These processes then cause infarction or death of the neurons, the glia, and the involved area of the brain. In addition, brain metabolism after stroke is affected in the involved area as well as in the contralateral hemisphere.
Small lacunar infarcts may also occur. Lacunae are small, deep cavities within the brain that result from occlusion of a small vessel.