The clinical term for acute loss of perfusion to vascular territory of the brain, resulting in ischemia and corresponding loss of neurologic function.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of morbidity and long-term disability.
Broadly classified as ischemic stroke (80% to 85%) and hemorrhagic stroke (15% to 20%).
Eighty percent of strokes are ischemic, and about 25% are caused by cerebral emboli.
Causes
Infarction from thrombus or emboli
- Progressing stroke: unstable, progressing neurologic deficits.
- Completed stroke: stable, non-progressing neurologic deficit.
Intracranial hemorrhage
- Intracerebral hemorrhage: hemorrhage in or around the brain.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: accounts for 5% to 10% of strokes.
See reference for more information. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Nurses in Primary Care. Central Nervous System. Internet. Accessed on July 8, 2016.