Glossary / Lexicon

Embolism is defined as a type of occlusion of an artery in which the clot forms in one area of the body and travels through the arterial system to another area, in this case, the brain, where it becomes lodged and obstructs cranial blood flow. Approximately 14% of all CVAs are caused by an Embolism. Embolism is derived from the Greek word "embolos" which means "plug" or "wedge".