What complications may result from an ischemic stroke?

An ischemic stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition that results when a blockage in an artery decreases or stops blood flow. Even with early treatment, an ischemic stroke can cause lasting damage, which may affect a person's mobility, speech, or memory. Some people may have a hard time talking or swallowing or may suffer from paralysis on one side of their body. Complications from a stroke depend on the area of the brain affected and can sometimes improve over time with physical, speech, or other rehabilitative therapies.