Ischemic stroke

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke (pronounced: /ɪˈskiːmɪk ˈstroʊk/) is a type of stroke that occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain, causing brain cells to die.

Etymology

The term "ischemic" comes from the Greek word "iskhēmos," which means "stopping blood," and "stroke" is from the Old English "strac," meaning "blow" or "strike." The term "ischemic stroke" thus refers to a condition where blood flow to the brain is stopped or blocked, causing damage.

Causes

Ischemic stroke is most commonly caused by thrombosis or embolism, which are conditions that lead to the formation of a blood clot. Other causes can include hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an ischemic stroke can include sudden numbness or weakness in 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, or sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Treatment

Treatment for ischemic stroke aims to restore blood flow to the brain. This can be achieved through the use of thrombolytic therapy, which involves the administration of drugs to dissolve the blood clot. In some cases, a procedure known as a thrombectomy may be performed to physically remove the clot.

Prevention

Prevention of ischemic stroke involves managing risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Related Terms

• Thrombosis
• Embolism
• Hypertension
• Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes
• Thrombolytic therapy
• Thrombectomy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Ischemic stroke
• Wikipedia's article - Ischemic stroke

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