Ischemic Stroke Also called: Embolic Stroke, Thrombotic stroke Summary A stroke is a medical emergency. There are two types – ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke is the most common type. It is usually caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. This keeps blood from flowing to the brain. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Another cause is stenosis, or narrowing of the artery. This can happen because of atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) occur when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted briefly. Having a TIA can mean you are at risk for having a more serious stroke. Symptoms of stroke are Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body) Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden severe headache with no known cause It is important to treat strokes as quickly as possible. Blood thinners may be used to stop a stroke while it is happening by quickly dissolving the blood clot. Post-stroke rehabilitation can help people overcome disabilities caused by stroke damage. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Related Issues Atherosclerosis and Stroke American Stroke Association Specifics CADASIL National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Prevention and Risk Factors Carotid Endarterectomy National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Carotid Ultrasound National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Device Interventions for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation American Heart Association Questions and Answers about Carotid Endarterectomy National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Questions and Answers about Treating Arterial Stenosis and Preventing Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke What Are Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents? American Heart Association Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Brain Ischemia National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Carotid Stenosis National Institutes of Health Statistics and Research Consistent Blood Pressure Control May Cut Rate of Second Stroke in Half American Heart Association Stroke, tPA, and Physician Decision-Making American Academy of Neurology Genetics Genetics Home Reference: adenosine deaminase 2 deficiency National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference: cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy National Library of Medicine Videos and Tutorials Innovations in Stroke Prevention: An Update on Carotid Stenting OR-Live Start Here Ischemic Stroke National Stroke Association Ischemic Strokes (Clots) American Stroke Association Let’s Talk about Ischemic Stroke American Heart Association Patient Handouts Preventing stroke Stroke – discharge Journal Articles Ischemic Stroke Array Stroke Stroke – secondary to cardiogenic embolism Stroke – slideshow Thrombolytic therapy
