STROKE - Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke -

About 80% of strokes are ischemic, which means they are caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain due to a blood clot. The buildup of plaque (fatty materials, calcium and scar tissue) is involved in most ischemic strokes narrowing the arteries that supply blood to the brain, interfering with, or blocking the flow of blood. This narrowing is called atherosclerosis. An ischemic stroke is either "thrombotic" or "embolic."

Thrombotic strokes are caused by a blood clot that forms in an artery directly leading to the brain. Embolic strokes occur when a clot develops somewhere else in the body and travels through the blood stream to the brain.

A TIA, or Transient Ischemic Attack which is also known as a "mini-stroke" is caused by a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. The symptoms (warning signs) are similar to an ischemic stroke except they go away within a few minutes or hours. Many people can have a TIA without even knowing it. A TIA is an important warning sign that puts you at increased risk of a full-blown stroke.

Over several Wednesdays I will offer information on the following - 

• Anatomy of the brain √
• Ischemic stroke √ 
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke) - next Wednesday
• Hemorragic stroke
• Stroke in children (Paediatric stroke)
• Effects of a stroke

 All information contained in this post was obtained, with permission, from the Heart and Stroke Foundation  website. Please visit their site for more information.

Monica
Disclaimer

The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.