Cerebral ischemia is basically a condition in which there is diminished flow of blood to the brain. Without adequate supply of oxygen and other nutrients, the brain will start to undergo steady but permanent death of the cells. The condition can cause various neurological symptoms that are determined by the location of the brain that is affected by the ischemia.
The exact cause of the cerebral ischemia should be determined so that the appropriate course of treatment can be started. When it comes to traumatic events involving the head, a doctor should be consulted for proper assessment of the injury as well as prevent further damage. You can learn more about this condition by enrolling in a first aid course in your location today.
Thrombus and emboli
It is important to note that a cerebral thrombus is a basically a blood clot inside an artery in the brain. It stays in an artery but can disrupt with the proper flow of blood. As for cerebral emboli, it is a blood clot that formed in a different region of the body and then travels to the arteries in the brain, thus causing a block in the flow of blood. Always remember that both can cause cerebral ischemia since they block the flow of blood to the brain. If the blockage is severe, the brain will not have enough energy and oxygen to survive. The clot is usually made out of fatty tissue, cholesterol and degraded blood cells.
Blood vessel injury
Any traumatic blow to the head during a sports event or vehicular accident as well as surgical procedures involving the neck and head can cause damage to the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Once the arteries start to seep blood due to injury, it can lead to an increase in the pressure within the skull in which the individual can experience symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness and weakness. Additionally, with the blood leaking out from the arteries, there is not enough blood reaching the brain tissues.
Narrowed arteries
The narrowing of the arteries that supply the brain with blood can lead to cerebral ischemia. Certain diseases such as granulomatous angitis can lead to the inflammation in the arteries. It is important to note that this inflammation can clog up the flow of blood that reaches the brain.
Erratic heart rate
Some cases of cerebral ischemia are triggered by fast, irregular heartbeat. An erratic heart rate can cause a drop in the amount of blood that reaches the brain. Always remember that the brain require large amounts of blood to function optimally. In case the heart could not pump properly, cerebral ischemia will surely occur. Atrial fibrillation which involves rapid beating of the upper chambers of the heart is the prevalent irregular heart rhythm linked with cerebral ischemia in most individuals.