What causes an ischemic stroke?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Ischemic strokes usually result when a blood clot or accumulation of fat in an artery (atherosclerosis) causes a reduction in blood flow in the brain. Occasionally, lipohyalinosis, a disorder in which fat and tissue build up in the arteries, leads to an ischemic stroke. Other causes of ischemic strokes include vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation), infections, substance abuse, and extremely low blood pressure.

Continue Learning about Causes Of Ischemic Stroke

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

A history of either parent having had an ischemic stroke raises the risk that their children will ha...

Natalia S. Rost, MD

Small-vessel (lacunar) stroke is caused by obstruction of a single blood vessel that branches off th...

Natalia S. Rost, MD

Large-artery atherothrombotic stroke occurs when atherosclerotic plaque builds up and narrows an art...

Stacy D. Younger, MD

Atherosclerosis (buildup of fats on artery walls) can eventually restrict blood flow to a portion of...

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