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Updated: May 13, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Hypertensive microbleed as a transient ischemic attack mimic
Claus Z Simonsen1, Edith Nielsen
1Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Abstract:
Cerebral microbleeds have acquired increased attention as a silent marker of small vessel disease that carries an increased risk of hemorrhage. The etiology is believed to be either hypertension or amyloid deposition. Here, we present a case with a patient whose transient focal symptom most likely was due to the occurrence of an acute microbleed, indicating that not all microbleeds are silent and that the cause of a transient ischemic attack is not always ischemic.
Insights
Cerebral microbleeds, often silent markers of small vessel disease, can cause transient focal symptoms. This case suggests microbleeds are not always silent and can mimic ischemic events.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Cerebral microbleeds are increasingly recognized as indicators of small vessel disease.
- They are associated with an elevated risk of cerebral hemorrhage.
- Common etiologies include hypertension and amyloid deposition.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a transient focal neurological symptom.
- This symptom was attributed to an acute cerebral microbleed.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates that cerebral microbleeds are not exclusively silent findings.
- Acute microbleeds can manifest with noticeable neurological deficits.
Implications:
- This challenges the assumption that all microbleeds are asymptomatic.
- It suggests that acute microbleeds should be considered in the differential diagnosis of transient neurological events.
- This broadens the understanding of potential causes for transient ischemic attack-like symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Stroke: Introduction and Types

