CVA

What does CVA stand for in health care?

Cerebrovascular accident

A "CVA" is a catastrophic event, often referred to as a "stroke," that can result in paralysis, difficulty speaking, and other significant health issues. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bleeds, leading to a sudden loss of brain function. CVA is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention, as prompt treatment can reduce brain damage and improve long-term outcomes.

The term is widely used in the medical field to emphasize the severity of these events. It’s a leading cause of disability and can have life-altering consequences. Being aware of its symptoms, such as sudden numbness, confusion, or vision issues, can significantly reduce the consequences of the event when prompt medical assistance is needed.

Example

hey, did you hear about uncle jim?
yeah, he had a CVA last night
oh no, is he ok?
he's stable now but it was a scary situation
Redditor sharing about their dad's CVA event
Redditor sharing about their dad's CVA event

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Updated May 14, 2026

CVA definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary

This page explains what the acronym "CVA" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been manually compiled and written by the Slang.net team.

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