What happens when you have an ischemic stroke?

When you have an ischemic stroke, it means that a blood clot blocks an artery that supplies blood to your brain. This blockage deprives the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, which are essential for the brain's function. Without a quick supply of blood, brain cells begin to die. The effects of an ischemic stroke can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected and the extent of the damage. There are two main types of ischemic stroke: thrombotic and embolic. A thrombotic stroke happens when a blood clot forms within the brain, often due to a diseased or damaged cerebral artery. An embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot from elsewhere in the body (usually the heart) travels to and blocks an artery in the brain. The symptoms of an ischemic stroke can include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause. Immediate medical attention is crucial because the sooner treatment begins, the less brain damage there is likely to be. Treatment options include medications to dissolve clots, prevent new clots from forming, and manage complications, as well as surgical procedures in some cases.

Ischemic stroke can be divided into two main types: thrombotic and embolic. Deprived of oxygen and other nutrients, the brain suffers damage as a result of the stroke. A thrombotic stroke occurs when diseased or damaged cerebral arteries become blocked by the formation of a blood clot within the brain.