Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

An ischemic stroke is an episode of neurological dysfunction caused by blocked blood flow to a specific area of the brain, leading to tissue damage.

It is categorized into thrombotic and embolic types.

A thrombotic stroke develops when an atherosclerotic plaque inside a cerebral artery gradually enlarges or ruptures, leading to thrombus formation at the site.

The thrombus blocks the artery, stopping blood flow to the brain tissue and causing an ischemic stroke.

An embolic stroke develops when a blood clot or other material forms elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain.

These emboli often originate in the heart, especially in people with atrial fibrillation, or in large arteries such as the carotid arteries, and can lodge in brain arteries, disrupting blood supply.

Major risk factors include smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease, and a family history of stroke.