Plaque, Blood Clots, And Stroke
Ischemic stroke occurs when there is a blockage that forms within the carotid arteries. The block could be caused by plaque build up, blood clots or possibly both. Over time plaque will accumulate along the arterial walls, a condition called carotid artery disease (CAD). This is a natural thing that happens with age. It is estimated that 10% of adults of 80 years of age suffer some level of CAD. If the condition is severe it could lead to a stroke. Blood clots can lead to ischemic stroke in two ways. First they can form when the accumulation of plaque in the carotid artery causes the artery to rupture. The rupture triggers your blood's clotting mechanism, which constricts the flow of blood through the artery.

Second, clots can form in another area of the body, typically they travel from deep veins in the leg, and flow into the carotid artery. A clot can form in the legs and when the deep vein contracts it could dislodge the clot. The clot then travels in the bloodstream to the carotid artery, blocking it and the flow of blood to the brain tissue. This is how a Yaz stroke occurs.

Diagnosing The Root Cause Of Stroke
There are many test doctors can do to determine the root cause of a stroke. This is critical in determining a treatment strategy that prevents recurrence.

Electrocardiography will help your doctor identify and rule out arrhythmias or heart valve disorders as the cause. Doctors will also use a Doppler ultrasound, CT scan and MRI can be ordered to determine which carotid artery has developed a blockage. Blood tests can also be used to exclude anemia, vasculitis and other related conditions as contributing factors.

Anticoagulants, Medications, And Surgery
Following any stroke aspirin is usually given to prevent your blood from further clotting. If clotting persists antiplatelets and anticoagulants can be prescribed by your physician.  Antiplatelet medications prevent platelets within your blood from forming clots. Anticoagulants inhibit the proteins within your blood that cause clotting.

However, if the antiplatelets and anticoagulants are ineffective, a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is given and is used to break apart the clots. But due to the fact that tPAs increase a risk of bleeding in the brain doctors will avoiding using them in certain circumstances (e.g. severe stroke, recent surgery, head injury, etc.).

If a portion of the brain tissue supplied by the clogged artery survives the stroke, and your life expectancy exceeds five years, a surgeon may perform carotid endarterectomy. Though very dangerous, this procedure is used to surgically remove a blood clot from the carotid artery. It is dangerous because it can loosen other clots, and potentially trigger another stroke.
Yaz birth control pills are known to increase the risk of abnormal clotting.  If you have used this oral contraceptive and suffered blood clots, DVT or even a stroke contact a Yaz lawsuit attorney. You may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer.