Brain Infarct / Stroke
A brain infarct, commonly known as an ischemic stroke, occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This interruption causes brain cells to die within minutes, resulting in permanent damage if not treated quickly. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 87% of all strokes.
What is it?
A brain infarct or ischemic stroke occurs when an artery supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked, typically by a blood clot or atherosclerotic plaque. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching brain tissue, causing cells in the affected area to die—a process called infarction. Brain tissue is extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation; permanent damage can begin within 3-4 minutes of blood flow interruption. Ischemic strokes are classified into two main types: thrombotic (caused by a clot forming in a brain artery) and embolic (caused by a clot traveling from elsewhere in the body, often the heart or carotid arteries).
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting approximately 795,000 people annually. Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, atrial fibrillation, previous stroke or TIA, family history, and increasing age. The extent of brain damage depends on which artery is blocked, how large the affected territory is, how quickly treatment is provided, and the availability of collateral blood flow. Without prompt treatment, stroke can result in permanent paralysis, speech difficulties, cognitive impairment, or death.
Important to Know
Time is critical in stroke treatment—”time is brain.” Recognizing stroke symptoms using the FAST acronym is essential: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911. Additional symptoms include sudden confusion, trouble seeing, severe headache, or loss of balance. Treatment must begin within hours for best outcomes. The clot-busting drug tPA can be given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, while mechanical thrombectomy (physically removing the clot) can be performed up to 24 hours in select cases. After acute treatment, rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapy is crucial for recovery. Prevention focuses on controlling risk factors: managing blood pressure and diabetes, taking prescribed medications (especially blood thinners for atrial fibrillation), stopping smoking, maintaining healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a heart-healthy diet. Anyone with stroke warning signs should seek emergency care immediately.