Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke occurs when one of the blood vessels in the brain is blocked, resulting in the deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This causes damage to the brain tissue and can lead to death or disability. It is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of all cases. Ischemic strokes are usually caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty material builds up inside the blood vessels and makes it more difficult for them to pump oxygen-rich blood through to the brain. This puts the patient at risk of a stroke because the amount of oxygen and nutrients that can be supplied is lowered. In some cases, a clot may form and cause a blockage. The risk of an ischemic stroke increases with age, as the walls of the blood vessels can become thicker with time. Certain risk factors can put someone at a higher risk for ischemic stroke, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as carotid artery disease, arteriovenous malformations, and sickle cell anemia, can also increase the risk. The symptoms of ischemic stroke can come on suddenly and are often severe. These include problems with vision, speaking, balance, arm or leg weakness, facial droop, and confusion. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatments for ischemic stroke includes drugs like tPA, which help to dissolve the clot, and endovascular treatments, which involve devices that can be threaded through the blood vessels of the brain to remove the clot. In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to treat the stroke. By recognizing the risk factors and symptoms of ischemic stroke, it’s possible to reduce the risk of stroke with lifestyle changes, or receive treatment quickly if a stroke does occur.