Posterior Cerebral Artery Infarction Health Channel

Definition

A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack."

Alternative Names

Cerebrovascular disease; CVA; Cerebral infarction; Cerebral hemorrhage; Ischemic stroke; Stroke - ischemic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Every 45 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. A stroke can happen when:

• A blood vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. This is called an ischemic stroke.
• A blood vessel breaks open, causing blood to leak into the brain. This is a hemorrhagic stroke.

If blood flow is stopped for longer than a few seconds, the brain cannot get blood and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing permanent damage.

ISCHEMIC STROKE

This is the most common type of stroke. Usually this type of stroke results from clogged arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. (See stroke secondary to atherosclerosis.) Fatty deposits collect on the wall of the arteries, forming a sticky substance called plaque. Over time, the plaque builds up. Often, the plaque causes the blood to flow abnormally, which can cause the blood to clot.