What is a key characteristic of a CVA compared to a TIA?

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke, is characterized by causing permanent tissue damage to the brain due to a disruption in blood supply. This can result from a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke) in the brain. The permanence of the tissue damage is a defining feature that distinguishes it from a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is often referred to as a "mini-stroke."

A TIA typically presents with stroke-like symptoms that resolve within a short period, usually within 24 hours, and does not lead to lasting brain injury. Therefore, while a CVA results in long-standing neurological deficits and damage, a TIA is temporary and does not result in permanent changes in the brain tissue. Understanding this distinction is essential for recognizing the urgency of a CVA in comparison to a TIA, which may not require the same immediate interventions.