Brain Ischemia Types and Causes

Brain ischemia refers to the insufficient supply of blood to the brain. Due to inadequate supply of blood, the brain is unable to perform its metabolic activities. Moreover, the poor supply of oxygen to brain cells leads to ischemic stroke or cerebral infarction. Vision impairment, blindness, weakness in body, and difficulties in co-ordination are some of the symptoms represented by brain ischemia.

Brain ischemia, also known as cerebral ischemia or cerebrovascular ischemia, occurs when there is an insufficient amount of blood flow to the brain. Oxygen and vital nutrients are carried in the blood through arteries - the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to every part of the body.

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The arteries that provide blood to the brain follow a certain pathway that ensures every region of the brain is adequately supplied with blood from one or more arteries. When an artery in the brain becomes blocked or bleeds, this leads to a lower oxygen supply to the region of the brain that relies on that particular artery.

Even a temporary deficit in oxygen supply can impair the function of the oxygen-deprived region of the brain. In fact, if the brain cells are deprived of oxygen for more than a few minutes, severe damage can occur, which may result in the death of the brain tissue. This type of brain tissue death is also known as a cerebral infarction or ischemic stroke.

Brain ischemia can be categorized into a few different types.

Focal ischemia is confined to a specific area of the brain. It usually occurs when a blood clot has blocked an artery in the brain. Focal ischemia can be the result of a thrombus or embolus.

Global ischemia affects a wider area of the brain and usually occurs when the blood supply to the brain has been drastically reduced or stops. This is typically caused by a cardiac arrest.

Causes - 

Sickle cell anemia or other blood diseases.

Malformed blood vessels

Arterial plaque buildup

Congenital heart defects

Heart disease

Blood clots

Irregular heartbeat

Low blood pressure

Heart attack

Ventricular tachycardia

List of companies operating in this research are 

Taxus Cardium, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic, Cook Medical, Boehringer Ingelheim International, Johnson and Johnson Services , Abbott etc. 

References:

https://www.assignmentpoint.com/science/medical/brain-ischemia.html

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-brain-ischemia-3146480

https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/brain-ischemia-market/