Cerebrovascular disease—stroke

This chapter is intended to be an introduction to the basic concepts of the pathophysiology of ischemic and hemorrhagic injury to the brain and cerebrovascular disease. Treatment of stroke, which remains among the most common causes of disability and death worldwide, requires a solid understanding of stroke pathophysiology. This chapter outlines the different types of stroke and the major causes of each. The relationship between vascular anatomy and the cause or mechanism of stroke is explained. The pathways that facilitate and contribute to death of cells in the brain and neuroprotective and reparative mechanisms are outlined. Finally, the concept of penumbra of ischemia is explained, providing an explanation for the rationale behind some of the currently available therapeutic approaches.