What is a common symptom of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)?

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke, can present various symptoms depending on the type and severity of the incident. Loss of vision is a common symptom because a stroke can affect the areas of the brain responsible for processing visual information. This may manifest as sudden changes in vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or even loss of vision in one eye. The specific area of the brain that is affected during a stroke will determine the particular visual deficits experienced by the individual.

In contrast, while other symptoms such as headache, increased appetite, and fatigue can arise in certain contexts, they are not as distinctive or immediate indicators of a CVA as the sudden onset of vision loss. Understanding these specific symptoms helps in recognizing a stroke and advocating for timely medical intervention, which is critical for improving outcomes in affected individuals.