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A common symptom of a cerebral vascular accident, commonly known as a stroke, is weakness of extremities, usually on one side of the body. This occurs because a stroke disrupts blood flow to specific parts of the brain, leading to neurological deficits. The brain controls muscle movement, and if the area that controls the muscles on one side of the body is affected, it can result in weakness or paralysis in the corresponding limbs on that side.

When a person experiences a stroke, they may suddenly find that one arm or leg is weak or cannot be moved at all. This unilateral weakness is a key clinical sign that can help in the rapid identification and treatment of a stroke.

The other options provided do not specifically correlate with the immediate effects of a stroke. Severe chest pain is more indicative of a heart-related event, whereas increased heart rate and high fever may result from various conditions but are not direct symptoms of a cerebral vascular accident. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for timely intervention in stroke management.