Embolic Stroke

Embolic stroke occurs when an embolus such as a cholesterol plaque, gas bubble, or foreign body got clogged in one of the blood vessels in the brain. It is a kind of ischemic stroke which is characterized by the brain’s impaired blood flow which leads to lack of oxygen and nutrients; causing brain tissue death within minutes. Embolic strokes often do not present warning signs as they occur quickly. However, some symptoms may be felt, depending on the affected brain area, which include difficulty walking, talking, temporary paralysis, and understanding simple words and numbness (either side of face or limbs). Other symptoms include confusion, blurry vision, slurring, difficulty swallowing, sleepiness, and dizziness.