One way a stroke occurs is that blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or clogged, cutting off blood flow to brain cells. High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for ischemic stroke that you can change. You may have a few diagnostic tests before your doctor determines that you had an ischemic stroke.
Symptoms develop over a few minutes and worsen over hours.
They are typically preceded by symptoms or warning signs that may include loss of strength or sensation on one side of the body. Problems with speech and language or changes in vision or balance. Ischemic strokes usually occur at night or first thing in the morning. The clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain. Blood clots usually form in arteries damaged by arteriosclerosis.