Sample Solution

Ischemic stroke is a type of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) caused by a blockage or narrowing in one or more blood vessels leading to the brain that restricts vital oxygen and nutrient supply to neurons. It is one of two types of strokes, along with hemorrhagic stroke, and can lead to death or permanent disability when untreated (Rajput et al., 2020).

The pathophysiology of ischemic stroke involves three main components: thrombosis or embolism, hypoperfusion due to reduced blood flow, and finally, cell necrosis due to lack of oxygen/nutrients. Thrombosis occurs when thrombus forms on vessel walls restricting necessary flow while embolism refers to an obstruction from a foreign body such as a clot formed elsewhere in the body entering into circulation and blocking off affected vessels. Hypoperfusion further reduces this already minimal amount of flow leading to further tissue damage until there is almost no flow if left untreated for too long resulting in cell necrosis (Orakcioglu et al., 2018).

Clinically significant signs and symptoms associated with ischemic stroke include sudden onset headache; difficulty speaking; vision changes including double vision; facial drooping; numbness tingling in arms/legs among others (Rajput et al., 2020).