Ischemic Stroke

Overview and Facts about Ischemic Stroke

An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, occurring when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked. When the blood vessel (or artery) is blocked, brain cells begin to stop working and may die. The cause of the blockage is a development of fatty deposits (lipids) within the vessel wall, resulting in a condition called atherosclerosis.

There are two types of obstructions that can result in an ischemic stroke:

  • Cerebral thrombosis: A blood clot develops in diseased or damaged cerebral arteries. Thrombotic strokes can be either large vessel (the blockage is in a large artery within the brain, most often the carotid or middle cerebral) or small vessel (the blockage is in a smaller artery in the brain).
     
  • Cerebral embolism: A blood clot develops in another location than the brain, most often the heart or arteries in the neck or upper chest. When these blood clots become stuck in the bloodstream, they restrict the flow of blood to the brain.

Why Choose Loyola for Treatment of Ischemic Stroke?

Loyola Medicine’s stroke specialists are nationally acclaimed for their success in treating stroke patients.

Loyola’s Stroke Center has been recognized by the American Stroke Association with its Get with the Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for our commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care.

Loyola is also the only academic medical center in the Chicago area accredited as a stroke specialty program by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) International. Loyola University Medical Center is certified by The Joint Commission as a comprehensive stroke center.

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