Cerebral infarction

Cerebral infarction (a stroke) occurs when brain cells are deprived of oxygen. A stroke occurs because of a blockage in blood vessels leading to the brain. The blockage can be due to atherosclerotic plaque or an embolus forming beneath the inner linging a vessel lumen which leads to the brain. This is known as a ischaemic stroke. A stroke can also occur if a damaged or weakened artery 'bursts' and bleed. This troke is known as a haemorrhagic stroke. Ischaemic strokes are more common than haemorrhagic strokes. Brain cells deprived of oxygen can become damaged or even die. 

The severity of the stroke and symptoms which occur depend on the the location of the brain which is deprived of oxygen.