Paralysis usually contralateral to side of brain stroke occurred. Sensory deficits - sensory impairment occurs in the same location as the motor paralysis. Language deficits e.g. aphasia, characterized by reduced vocabulary, reduced verbal attention span Cognitive defects related to the area of the brain involved and the severity of the injury. Most severe - disturbance of individuals ability to maintain an alert status. Cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations Structural abnormalities of cerebral arteries - predisposes to intracerebral bleeding.
Arterial wall deteriorates until it is weakened sufficiently to produce a bulging appearance.
Underlying cause may be atherosclerotic changes in the vessel, a congenital weakness or a weakening induced by infection, inflammation or traumatic injury. Aneurysm prevalence higher in women than men, most often occurs between ages of 30-60. Warning leaks before actual rupture often produce severe headaches, photophobia and stiff neck. Injection of blood into subarachnoid space increased ICP and distortion of intracranial structrues. Result is increased cerebral ischemia and possibly infarction due to significant reduction in cerebral blood flow.