Cerebral ischaemic stroke due to paradoxical embolism (Q42469)

This is a sudden loss of brain function due to a lack of adequate blood flow. It is the result of a thromboembolism – a blood clot that detached and travelled through the blood vessels – that originated in the venous system. Because of a heart defect, it passes through to the systemic circulation system, instead of becoming lodged in the lungs.