Which term describes a stroke caused by blockage of brain blood flow?

• A. Ischemic stroke
• B. Hemorrhagic stroke
• C. TIA
• D. Aneurysm

Answer: (A)

Blockage of a brain blood vessel that cuts off blood flow to brain tissue is described as an ischemic stroke. When a clot or other obstruction blocks an artery, the downstream brain cells lose oxygen and glucose needed to function. Without that supply, cells begin to fail within minutes, and if perfusion isn’t restored promptly, the affected tissue can die, creating an infarct. This type accounts for the vast majority of strokes, making the term ischemic stroke the precise way to describe block-related brain injury.

In contrast, a hemorrhagic stroke happens when a vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain, causing damage from both the bleeding and the pressure it creates. A transient ischemic attack involves a temporary disruption of blood flow with symptoms that resolve quickly and without lasting damage. An aneurysm refers to a weakened vessel that can enlarge and potentially rupture, leading to bleeding rather than a blockage causing ischemia.