Pathology and pathophysiology of brain ischaemia.

The current views on the pathophysiology of cerebral ischaemia have recently been challenged by the new experimental results and animal models devised in recent years. These data are briefly reviewed. Ischaemic macroscopical and microscopical lesions in the human brain are outlined. Ischaemic changes can be either regional or total. The types, topography and aetiology of cerebral infarcts, lacunes and venous infarcts are described. The consequences of marked or total ischaemia affecting the whole cerebral blood supply are mentioned.