Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is a medical emergency caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Without the necessary oxygen, brain cells die and permanent brain damage or death can occur. Ischemic strokes make up the majority of all strokes, approximately 87% of cases. The most common cause of an ischemic stroke is atherosclerosis. This is the buildup of fatty plaques within the artery walls that reduce the blood flow to the brain and cause a clot to form. Other risk factors for an ischemic stroke include high blood pressure, age, sex, family history of stroke, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, it can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on the area of the brain impacted by the stroke. Common symptoms of an ischemic stroke include sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden dizziness or loss of balance, and sudden severe headaches. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms as quickly as possible to get medical help and maximize recovery. The immediate treatment for an ischemic stroke is tPA, an intravenous medication that can be used to dissolve the clot. If a patient is unable to take this medication due to any other medical problems, a mechanical thrombectomy may be done in which a device is used to remove the clot through a catheter inserted in the blocked artery. In some cases, the only long-term treatment is lifestyle changes. This includes reducing risk factors such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Strokes are a leading cause of disability and death in the United States. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke and get medical care as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent damage or death. With prompt medical treatment, many stroke patients make a full recovery or manage to live a normal life even with some permanent effects.