What can an ischaemic stroke result from?

An ischaemic stroke occurs primarily when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked, usually due to a blood clot or atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. This blockage limits or completely stops blood flow, leading to a deprivation of oxygen and essential nutrients to the brain tissue, which can cause brain cells to die. The critical factor in ischaemic stroke is this blockage of blood vessels, which prevents the necessary blood supply from reaching the affected area of the brain, leading to potential long-term damage or disability depending on the duration and severity of the blockage.

In contrast, burst blood vessels lead to a haemorrhagic stroke, while decreased blood volume, although it can affect overall health, does not specifically result in an ischaemic event. Improper brain function could result from a variety of neurological conditions but does not serve as a direct cause of an ischaemic stroke by itself. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing the different types of strokes and their underlying causes.