Another term for stroke is medical terminology
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Summary
8 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that another term for stroke in medical terminology is "cerebrovascular accident" or "Enfermedad Vascular Cerebral (EVC)."
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Medical Terminology for Stroke: An Overview
Introduction to Stroke Terminology
The term "stroke" has been used for centuries to describe the sudden impairment of cerebral functions, often leading to significant disability or death. Hippocrates first coined the term "apoplexy" to describe this condition, which means "to strike down" in Greek. Over time, the terminology has evolved, but the term "stroke" remains widely used in both clinical practice and public discourse.
Alternative Terms for Stroke
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
One of the most common alternative terms for stroke is "cerebrovascular accident" (CVA). This term emerged in the 20th century and is derived from the Latin word "accidere," meaning "to fall upon" or "befall". Despite its historical usage, CVA is considered imprecise and is gradually being phased out in favor of more accurate terminology.
Cerebrovascular Disease
"Cerebrovascular disease" is another term frequently used in medical literature. It encompasses a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels and blood supply to the brain, including stroke. This term is more precise but is often used incorrectly to describe individual stroke events rather than the broader category of related conditions.
Brain Attack
In an effort to improve public understanding and response to stroke, some medical communities have adopted the term "brain attack." This term is analogous to "heart attack" and aims to convey the urgency of the condition. For example, the Amharic-speaking Ethiopian community has shown strong support for the term "Ye-Angol Tikat," which translates to "brain attack".
Central Nervous System Infarction
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has proposed the term "central nervous system infarction" to describe the death of brain, spinal cord, or retinal cells due to ischemia. This term is part of an updated definition that includes both clinical and tissue criteria, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of stroke.
The Need for Uniform Terminology
The inconsistency in stroke terminology has significant implications for clinical practice, research, and public health. A systematic review of stroke literature revealed that terms like "cerebrovascular accident" and "cerebrovascular disease" are often used imprecisely, leading to confusion and miscommunication. Experts recommend adopting more precise terms such as "stroke" and "transient ischemic attack (TIA)" to improve clarity and advance the field of stroke medicine.
Conclusion
While "stroke" remains the most commonly used term, alternative terminologies like "cerebrovascular accident," "cerebrovascular disease," and "brain attack" are also prevalent. However, the medical community is moving towards more precise and standardized terms to enhance understanding and treatment of this critical condition. Uniform terminology is essential for effective communication, research, and patient care in the field of stroke medicine.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
8
Staging Motor Impairment After Stroke
8
36 Citations
1990