Brain stroke (cerebral ictus or stroke) is a further complication of atherosclerosis. The defect is localised in the cerebral blood stream. It attacks mostly elderly patients. Just as in the case of myocardial (heart muscle) infarction, the arteries are obstructed resulting in an insufficient supply of blood to the brain. Compared to the gradual narrowing of arteries causing „sclerosis“, the cause here is a sudden obstruction of the cerebral artery. Depending on the part of brain affected by the obstruction, relevant neurological symptoms occur.
The most frequent symptoms are: unconsciousness, numbness in some parts of the body, paralysis of the limbs, face, etc. The extent of damage varies as well. Some changes may be irreversible. A less severe manifestation is the so called transient ischenic attack (TIA) characterised by temporary unconsciousness. Other symptoms are reduced mobility, speech impairement and numbness. These symptoms may recede quickly or absent altogether.