Qué causa un acv

The constant activity of nerve cells in the brain requires an ongoing supply of chemical energy. Nerve cells, also called neurons, get this energy by breaking down glucose in a long series of reactions. Most of the energy emerges from the last few reactions, which require oxygen. The brain receives both glucose and oxygen through the blood, which is pumped up to the brain by the heart via arteries in the neck. (The pulse of blood in one of these arteries, the carotid, can be felt by pressing your fingers gently on the side of your neck). The arteries branch out at the brain, carrying blood over and through the organ.

If the supply of oxygen to the brain cells is inadequate, the neurons cannot break down glucose completely. As a result, they do not obtain enough energy for their activities; also, the partial breakdown of glucose yields harmful waste products. These conditions not only prevent nerve cells from functioning normally, but can also injure and kill them. Further damage may occur later when the blood flow is restored (reperfusion injury) and free radicals form. Either way, this damage causes brain malfunction, which becomes evident as the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

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