What causes an ischemic stroke?
There are two types of ischemic stroke, each with a slightly different cause. The first type, thrombotic ischemic stroke, happens when a thrombus, or blood clot, slowly forms inside one of the arteries that feeds the brain. As the thrombus gets bigger, it eventually fills up the artery and keeps any blood from getting through. When blood cant get through to the brain, an ischemic stroke happens. The second type, embolic ischemic stroke, happens when an embolus, or floating blood clot, suddenly breaks off from a different part of the body, floats through the blood, and gets stuck in one of the arteries feeding the brain. When the embolus gets stuck in one of those arteries, blood cant get through, and ischemic stroke happens. What makes a thrombus form? A thrombus is a blood clot that gradually forms over time and fills up a blood vessel. A healthy body has ways to prevent these kinds of clots from forming. In children with some illnesses, the body isnt as good at preventing blood clots
