Ischemic Stroke Research Paper

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Strokes cause approximately 185,000 deaths every year making it the fifth leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability. Strokes are very serious because they can cause severe damage to the brain in just a matter of minutes. Therefore, It is essential that people understand the causes of a stroke, the methods of preventing a stroke, and the recognizable signs and symptoms of a stroke.

A stroke occurs when an area of the brain has its blood flow cut off causing brain cells to die due to a lack of oxygen. Oxygen is vital for proper brain function. Although the brain only comprises about 2% of the body’s total weight it uses 20% of the oxygen you breath. That being said, any deprivation of oxygen could be potentially fatal …show more content…

Ischemic strokes are more common accounting for 87% of all strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots or plaque buildup cause a blockage of a blood vessel. This blockage prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the brain. Ischemic strokes are usually caused by hypertension, high cholesterol, and/or atherosclerosis.

Ischemic strokes can be further classified into two categories determined by the manner in which they occur. One way an ischemic stroke can occur is when a blood clot or plaque particle forms somewhere in the body and travels through the bloodstream to the brain. Once in the brain it becomes stuck, preventing the blood from flowing any further. This is called an Embolic stroke. The other way an Ischemic stroke can occur, is if the blood clot or plaque buildup that causes the stroke is formed inside one of the arteries that is responsible for carrying blood to the brain. This is called a thrombotic stroke.

Hemorrhagic strokes are more rare comprising only about 15 percent of all strokes. Although less common, hemorrhagic strokes are still responsible for 40% of all stroke fatalities. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel begins to leak or a brain aneurysm bursts. This causes blood to infuse the tissue in or around the brain ultimately causing swelling, pressure, and tissue damage resulting in cellular

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