Figure 1
From: Inflammatory mechanisms in ischemic stroke: therapeutic approaches

Ischemic cascade leading to cerebral damage. Ischemic stroke leads to hypoperfusion of a brain area that initiates a complex series of events. Excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, microvascular injury, blood-brain barrier dysfunction and postischemic inflammation lead ultimately to cell death of neurons, glia and endothelial cells. The degree and duration of ischemia determines the extent of cerebral damage.