Crucial Aspects of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Management, Prevention, and Treatment Advances

An Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows a vessel supplying blood to the brain, leading to oxygen deprivation and potential brain cell damage. Recognizing its symptoms, understanding its causes, and adopting effective prevention and treatment strategies are critical in reducing its impact on health and quality of life.

- Dr. Chalapathy

• What Happens During an Acute Ischemic Stroke? AIS begins with a blockage in a cerebral artery, often due to a blood clot (thrombus) or an embolus originating elsewhere in the body. The restricted blood flow causes ischemia in the brain tissue, potentially leading to neurological deficits or death if untreated.

• Types of Ischemic Stroke

• Thrombotic Stroke: Caused by blood clots forming in arteries supplying blood to the brain.

• Embolic Stroke: Triggered by clots or debris traveling from another part of the body, typically the heart, to the brain.

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke,” is a temporary blockage that resolves without causing permanent damage. However, TIA strokes are critical warning signs, often preceding a full-blown ischemic stroke.