What type of stroke is characterized by a blockage in a cerebral artery due to plaque or other material?

The type of stroke characterized by a blockage in a cerebral artery due to plaque or other material is an embolic stroke. This type occurs when a blood clot or a piece of atheromatous plaque from elsewhere in the body travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a cerebral artery, impeding blood flow to specific areas of the brain. This blockage can lead to brain tissue damage due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in the symptoms associated with a stroke.

Understanding the nature of an embolic stroke is crucial in recognizing the differences between stroke types. For instance, a hemorrhagic stroke involves bleeding into or around the brain, which is distinctly different from the blockage caused by emboli or plaques. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), on the other hand, are temporary episodes of reduced blood flow to the brain that resolve quickly, while an aneurysmal stroke is linked to the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. Each type has its own causes and risk factors, making it important to differentiate among them for proper diagnosis and treatment.