Dallas Ischemic Stroke Treatment

Accounting for nearly 90% of all reported strokes, an ischemic stroke is a stroke caused by a blood clot. The brain needs constant blood flow to function properly, and even a brief interruption to this flow can damage brain cells. Ischemic strokes are usually caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries become lined with plaque from cholesterol. Plaque buildup narrows the arteries, making it more difficult for blood to flow and more likely that a clot will occur.

Atherosclerosis is a very common condition, and often does not cause symptoms until a major event such as a stroke occurs. This is why it is important know the risk factors for stroke, minimize them, and have your blood-cholesterol levels checked regularly.

Types of Ischemic Stroke

There are two types of ischemic strokes depending on where the blood clot that caused the stroke started.

The two types of ischemic strokes:

• Thrombotic Stroke – This type of stroke is responsible for almost 50% of all strokes. Thrombotic strokes are caused by blood clots that occur within the brain itself, usually due to atherosclerosis in a brain artery. These strokes typically affect older people. Some people may experience symptoms of strokes, known as mini-strokes, before experiencing a true stroke.
• Embolic Stroke – An embolic stroke is one caused by a blood clot that forms somewhere other than the brain. These clots break away from where they originally formed and then get trapped in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. People with abnormal heart rhythms have an increased risk of suffering an embolic stroke.

Methodist Moody Brain and Spine Institute’s team of stroke care professionals provide treatment for all types of stroke. From surgery to rehabilitation, we provide our patients with the resources they need to move forward.