the ischemic core

The ischemic core refers to the area of brain tissue that is severely affected during a stroke due to a lack of blood flow. This lack of blood supply means that the affected cells do not get enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to their rapid death. The ischemic core is surrounded by a penumbra, where cells are damaged but not yet dead and may still be salvageable with timely medical intervention. Understanding the ischemic core is crucial for developing effective treatments to restore blood flow and minimize brain damage during a stroke.