Answer to Question 1
Clot dissolving drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has advanced the treatment of CVAs significantly. Blood clots constitute 80 of all CVAs. Currently, tPA is the only approved treatment for CVAs caused by blood clots. However, tPA is only effective if administered promptly. tPA therapy has to begin within three hours after the onset of a stroke to be most effective. Recovery from CVA depends on the severity of the stroke, the area and extent of the damage to the brain, and the person's age.
Answer to Question 2
Hearing loss is one of the most well-known normative changes with age. Because hearing plays such an important role in social communication, its loss can have an effect on quality of life. Hearing loss is associated with many adverse emotional reactions including irritation, paranoia, and depression, but hearing loss per se does not cause emotional disturbance. Rather, the loss may negatively affect how a person feels about interpersonal communications. People who have no hearing loss can be instrumental in helping people who do overcome the challenges it presents.