Title: Ischemic Strokes Key Points: Ischemic strokes occur when there is a sudden complete or near-complete blockage of blood flow (BF) to the brain. They are more common than hemorrhagic strokes. The damage caused by an ischemic stroke depends on the location of the blockage and the affected brain regions. Mechanisms: Embolism: Clot breaks from the heart or arteries Lodges in small brain vessels Usually from atrial fibrillation or plaque breaks from the heart Thrombosis: Plaque buildup in small arteries Blood stagnates, leading to clot formation Dangerous unless there's collateral circulation Locations: Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA): Affects movement, executive function, sensory information, and language Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA): Affects movement, executive function, and urinary bladder control Internal Carotid Artery (ICA): Supplies blood to the brain Blockage can lead to widespread damage Consequences: Loss of consciousness Circle of Willis can provide collateral circulation, reducing damage Adaptation can occur, but brain may still be damaged Mechanisms: Embolism: Clot breaks from the heart or arteries Lodges in small brain vessels Usually from atrial fibrillation or plaque breaks from the heart Thrombosis: Plaque buildup in small arteries Blood stagnates, leading to clot formation Dangerous unless there's collateral circulation Locations: Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA): Affects movement, executive function, sensory information, and language Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA): Affects movement, executive function, and urinary bladder control Internal Carotid Artery (ICA): Supplies blood to the brain Blockage can lead to widespread damage Mechanisms: Embolism: Clot breaks from the heart or arteries Lodges in small brain vessels Usually from atrial fibrillation or plaque breaks from the heart Thrombosis: Plaque buildup in small arteries Blood stagnates, leading to clot formation Dangerous unless there's collateral circulation Locations: Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA): Affects movement, executive function, sensory information, and language Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA): Affects movement, executive function, and urinary bladder control Internal Carotid Artery (ICA): Supplies blood to the brain Blockage can lead to widespread damage Consequences: Loss of consciousness Circle of Willis can provide collateral circulation, reducing damage Adaptation can occur, but brain may still be damaged