What Are The Symptoms Of An Ischemic Stroke?

An ischemic stroke is a serious medical event where a blood clot becomes lodged in a blood vessel in the brain. Without a supply of blood, the brain cells begin to die in a matter of minutes. The underlying cause of an ischemic stroke can be from the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels or any other mechanism that can cause an embolus or clot to travel to or develop in the brain. Diagnosis of an ischemic stroke is made with a physical exam, MRI, CT scans, electroencephalogram, evoked potential tests, echocardiography, and angiography. An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to minimize the extent of permanent brain damage. Usually, full recovery is possible if emergency room treatment is sought within three hours of the stroke onset.