Neurology

Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center

Ischemic Stroke

When a blood vessel clogs from within and reduces blood flow to the brain, it is called an ischemic stroke. Ischemic strokes accounts for approximately 80% of all stroke cases. Generally, they result from an obstruction, typically a blood clot. These clots are called:

• Cerebral thrombus - a blood clot that develops at the site of the clogged portion of the vessel.

• Cerebral embolism- refers to a blood clot that forms at another location in the circulatory system. A portion of the blood clot dislodges, enters the bloodstream and travels through the blood vessels of the brain. The clot enters a vessel that is smaller than the clot, causing it to lodge in this small vessel. This obstructs the flow of blood to a specific part of the brain, leading to a stroke.



 

An important cause of these types of clots is an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation can lead to clots forming within the heart and eventually traveling to the brain. Checking for this important risk factor for stroke is as simple as taking your pulse. Since medication can treat atrial fibrillation, it is important to know if you have this condition.

Learn how to check for atrial fibrillation

What is a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) or Ministroke?

TIA's are warning signs and may happen before an actual stroke. If you are having a TIA, any of the above signs may occur temporarily. The symptoms may last only a few minutes to several hours. TIA's occur when blood supply to the brain is obstructed for a short time but no permanent damage occurs.