Stroke - Anterior cerebral artery

High urgency
-Moderately severe
A stroke affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain (arteries), causing the death of the affected brain tissue. When there is an obstruction caused by a thrombus or clot it is called an ischemic stroke, whereas a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel and bleeding. It is strongly associated with age and deterioration of the arteries. Hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, alcohol consumption and drug use, etc. are all contributing factors. A stroke affecting the anterior cerebral artery usually results in a loss of strength in the leg, urinary disorders, speech disorders, difficulty writing (left brain injury), loss of interest in one’s surroundings and personality changes, etc. Diagnosis is clinical but must be confirmed with CT scan. In the case of ischemia, treatment within three hours of symptom onset prevents sequelae, which is why it is considered to be a medical emergency.
Bibliographic references
  1. Louis R Caplan, MD. Clinical diagnosis of stroke subtypes. UpToDate. Aug 02, 2016.
  2. Jamary Oliveira Filho, MD, MS, PhD. Owen B Samuels, MD. Reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke. UpToDate. Sep 28, 2016.
  3. Zangerle A, Kiechl S, Spiegel M, et al. Recanalization after thrombolysis in stroke patients: predictors and prognostic implications. Neurology 2007; 68:39.
  4. Louis R Caplan, MD. Overview of the evaluation of stroke. UpToDate. Apr 12, 2016.
  5. Lobato P, Morín MM, Garrido JA. Accidente Cerebrovascular Agudo en Urgencias. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010: 509-522.
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Less mobility in one leg


    Personality changes


    Loss of feeling in half of the body


    Neurological symptoms: impaired speech, physical strength or feeling


    Change in sensitivity

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Keep calm.
Call medical assistance for instructions.
Do not eat or drink to prevent choking.