This page compiles our content related to stroke. For further information on diagnosis and treatment, follow the links below to our full BMJ Best Practice topics on the relevant conditions and symptoms.
Introduction
Relevant conditions
go to our full topic on Ischemic stroke
Regardless of the specific etiology, ischemic stroke occurs when blood supply in a cerebral vascular territory is critically reduced due to occlusion or critical stenosis of a cerebral artery. A minority of ischemic strokes are caused by cerebral sinus or cortical vein thrombosis. Risk factors strongly associated with ischemic stroke include older age, history of transient ischemic attack or previous ischemic stroke, family history of stroke, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, comorbid cardiac conditions, carotid artery stenosis, sickle cell disease, and dyslipidemia.[2]
go to our full topic on Carotid artery stenosis
Cause of a minority of ischemic strokes. Atherosclerotic plaque in the cervical carotid artery is the most common cause. Plaque disruption and atheroembolization into the intracranial circulation is the most common mechanism for stroke. Strong risk factors include older age, smoking, and history of cardiovascular disease.[3][4][5] Carotid revascularization of moderate- or high-grade recently symptomatic carotid artery stenosis prevents future stroke. The benefit of revascularization for asymptomatic stenosis is less certain.
go to our full topic on Transient ischemic attack
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) should be suspected in a patient who presents with sudden-onset, focal neurologic deficit that resolves spontaneously and cannot be explained by another condition such as hypoglycemia. TIAs have considerable risk of early recurrent cerebral ischemic events.[6] Strong risk factors for TIA include atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, carotid stenosis, intracranial stenosis, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cigarette smoking, alcohol-use disorder, and advanced age.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Evaluation and initiation of secondary prevention should occur rapidly.
go to our full topic on Hemorrhagic stroke
Intracerebral hemorrhage is caused by vascular rupture with bleeding into the brain parenchyma, resulting in a primary mechanical injury to the brain tissue. The global prevalence of intracerebral hemorrhage was 18.88 million cases in 2020.[14] Strong risk factors include hypertension, older age, family history of ICH, hemophilia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, anticoagulation, use of illicit sympathomimetic drugs, vascular malformations, and Moyamoya syndrome.[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]
go to our full topic on Cerebral aneurysm
Typically asymptomatic until ruptured, resulting in a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Screening with noninvasive neuroangiography is recommended for at-risk populations. Strong risk factors include smoking, moderate-high level alcohol consumption, family history, previous subarachnoid hemorrhage, and heritable connective tissue disease.[23][24]
go to our full topic on Subarachnoid hemorrhage
A medical emergency where there is bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The most common cause of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage is rupture of an intracranial aneurysm.[25] Strong risk factors include hypertension, smoking, family history, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.[26][27][28]
Contributors
Authors
Editorial Team
BMJ Publishing Group
Disclosures
This overview has been compiled using the information in existing sub-topics.
Patient leaflets
Questions to ask your doctor if you've had a stroke
Stroke caused by a blood clot: preventing another stroke
More Patient leaflets
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