North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

In which condition is blood flow to the brain blocked by a clot?

1. Hemorrhagic stroke

2. Ischemic stroke

3. Transient ischemic attack

4. Cerebral aneurysm

The correct answer is: Ischemic stroke

The condition in which blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot is known as an ischemic stroke. This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes obstructed, often due to a clot that has formed either in the brain or traveled from another part of the body (known as an embolism). Ischemic strokes account for the majority of all strokes, highlighting their significance in medical emergencies. In contrast, hemorrhagic stroke involves the rupture of a blood vessel, leading to bleeding in or around the brain, which results in increased pressure and damage to the brain tissue. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a "mini-stroke," is characterized by temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, but does not result in permanent damage and typically resolves within a short period, usually under 24 hours. A cerebral aneurysm involves an outpouching of a blood vessel in the brain, which may or may not rupture, leading to a hemorrhagic event. Thus, when considering the blockage caused specifically by a clot leading to reduced blood flow and subsequent brain ischemia, ischemic stroke is the accurate answer.