Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
06:01
A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
14.3K
Cryptogenic stroke: A diagnostic challenge
Shadi Yaghi1, Mitchell S V Elkind1
1Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons (SY, MSVE), and Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health (MSVE), Columbia University, New York, NY.
Neurology. Clinical Practice
|October 16, 2014
Summary
Cryptogenic stroke, or unexplained stroke, affects 30-40% of ischemic stroke patients. Identifying the stroke mechanism through advanced imaging and cardiac tests is crucial for effective treatment and reducing recurrence risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Cryptogenic stroke accounts for 30-40% of ischemic stroke cases.
- Determining the underlying cause is vital for guiding treatment and preventing recurrent strokes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic yield of various tests in identifying stroke mechanisms.
- To explore treatment implications based on identified stroke causes in cryptogenic stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic yield for intracranial vessel imaging.
- Assessment of cardiac evaluation methods including transesophageal echocardiogram and outpatient cardiac monitoring.
Main Results:
- Intracranial vessel imaging and cardiac evaluations are key in uncovering stroke mechanisms.
- The diagnostic yield of these tests informs therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Further investigation beyond initial evaluations is essential for cryptogenic stroke patients.
- Tailored treatment based on identified mechanisms improves outcomes and reduces stroke recurrence.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
9
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
9
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
5
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
5
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
4
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
4
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
7
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
7
01:29Stroke: Introduction and Types
8
A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
8
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
5
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
5