What type of CVA is characterized by subtle, progressive, or sudden neurologic deficits?

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) infarct is primarily characterized by the presence of ischemic events, where a disruption in blood flow leads to tissue damage. This can manifest as subtle, progressive, or sudden neurologic deficits, depending on the extent and location of the infarction. As brain tissue becomes ischemic and subsequently necrotic, patients can present with a wide variety of symptoms.

Infarcts can develop acutely, for instance, in cases of embolism or thrombosis leading to stroke, or they may evolve over time if collateral circulation is inadequate or if small vessel disease progresses. The symptoms may vary from mild deficits that evolve gradually to more severe and sudden strokes, depending on the individual situation and the involved cerebral territory. This variability in presentation allows for a differentiation between types of strokes.

While hemorrhagic strokes can also cause significant neurologic deficits, they typically present with more sudden onset severe symptoms, often accompanied by headache or altered consciousness. Subarachnoid hemorrhages usually present acutely as well, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are characterized by temporary (often less than 24 hours) neurologic deficits that resolve completely, which differs from the more permanent deficits seen in true infarcts. Understanding