Which symptom is commonly associated with a diagnosis of CVA?

One-sided weakness is a hallmark symptom associated with a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly referred to as a stroke. This condition occurs when there is a disruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to damage in the areas responsible for motor control. When a stroke affects one side of the brain, it often results in weakness or paralysis on the opposite side of the body, manifesting as one-sided weakness. This symptom can vary in severity and may affect the arm, leg, or both.

Understanding this key symptom is crucial, as it is part of the FAST acronym used for recognizing stroke: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services. Recognizing one-sided weakness can lead to timely medical intervention, which is essential for minimizing brain damage and improving outcomes for the patient.