Ischemic Stroke

Summary

A stroke is a medical emergency. There are two types – ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke is the more 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

Genetics

• Adenosine deaminase 2 deficiency: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
• Cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine

Related Issues

• Atherosclerosis and Stroke American Stroke Association

Specifics

• CADASIL National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Carotid Endarterectomy Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Device Interventions for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation American Heart Association
• 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
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Ischemic Stroke National Institutes of Health

Start Here

• Ischemic Stroke (Clots) American Stroke Association
• Let’s Talk about Ischemic Stroke American Stroke Association

Patient Handouts

• Preventing stroke Medical Encyclopedia
• Stroke – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
• Thrombolytic therapy Medical Encyclopedia

Journal Articles

• Ischemic Stroke

Encyclopedia

• Stroke Medical Encyclopedia
• Stroke – secondary to cardiogenic embolism Medical Encyclopedia

Images

• Stroke – series — Part 1 Medical Encyclopedia

Statistics and Research

• Stroke Facts and Statistics Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Stroke, tPA, and Physician Decision-Making American Academy of Neurology