A stroke is the death of brain tissue that occurs when the brain does not get enough blood and oxygen. A stroke from atherosclerosis occurs when the arteries supplying the brain are narrowed by plaque formation on the vessel walls. A stroke from atherosclerosis is classified as an ischemic stroke, which means it is caused when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
Atherosclerosis is a thickening or hardening of the arteries.
It can partially or totally block the flow of blood through an artery to the brain. The brain cells then die from lack of oxygen. The products released when cells die cause swelling in the brain. Since the skull doesn't allow much room for expansion, this swelling can damage the brain tissue even further. Strokes can cause many different signs and symptoms, depending on the area of the brain that is damaged.