Cerebral infarct | |
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CT scan slice of the brain showing a right-hemispheric cerebral infarct (left side of image). | |
Specialty | Neurology |
Cerebral infarction, also known as an ischemic stroke, is the pathologic process that results in an area of necrotic tissue in the brain (cerebral infarct).[1] In mid to high income countries, a stroke is the main reason for disability among people and the 2nd cause of death.[2] It is caused by disrupted blood supply (ischemia) and restricted oxygen supply (hypoxia). This is most commonly due to a thrombotic occlusion, or an embolic occlusion of major vessels which leads to a cerebral infarct .[3][4] In response to ischemia, the brain degenerates by the process of liquefactive necrosis.[1]