PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC INNOVATIONS IN CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT TREATMENT: A STUDY FROM THE ABIDJAN CARDIOLOGY INSTITUTE MEDICAL ICU

Abstract

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), commonly known as strokes or "brain attacks," represent acute medical emergencies characterized by the obstruction or rupture of cerebral arteries, leading to the deprivation of blood supply to specific brain regions, resulting in cerebral infarction. These incidents manifest as rapid-onset neurological deficits lasting more than 24 hours, encompassing a spectrum of symptoms indicative of brain dysfunction. Among the most prevalent manifestations are sudden onset weakness or sensory loss in facial and limb muscles, typically unilateral, along with cognitive impairments such as confusion and difficulty in speech or comprehension. Visual disturbances, gait disturbances, dizziness, severe headaches, and loss of consciousness may also occur, underscoring the diverse clinical presentations associated with CVAs (Sagui, 2007; Kemnang et al., 2019).