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Ischemic stroke occurs due to blockage of a blood vessel;
- they can be the result of a blood clot (embolus) that travels and lodges in a blood vessel supplying the brain,
a localized build up of plaque in the blood vessel that becomes completely blocked (thrombus or plaque rupture), or
due to significantly low blood pressure (systemic hypoperfusion).
The usual cause is a blood clot or fatty plaque that blocks blood flow to a portion of the brain and deprives brain cells from oxygen and nutrients. The lack of blood flow creates ischemia and the brain tissue will die if circulation is not promptly restored. The severity of the stroke depends on location of the blockage. [14].
There are two types of Ischemic Strokes.
- Thrombotic strokes: when a blood clot forms in an artery leading to the brain.
- Embolic strokes: when a clot forming elsewhere in the body and breaks loose and travels to the brain.
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