What causes an obstruction referred to as a cerebral embolism?

A cerebral embolism specifically occurs when an embolus— a type of blood clot or debris— travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a blood vessel in the brain, leading to an obstruction. This obstruction can prevent blood flow, resulting in brain tissue damage and potentially causing a stroke.

Understanding this definition clarifies why the presence of an embolus is central to the concept of a cerebral embolism. Other options do not directly define the cause of this specific obstruction. For instance, while a ruptured blood vessel may cause bleeding in the brain, it is not classified as an embolism. Similarly, while a stroke would be the consequence of a cerebral embolism, it is not the actual cause of the obstruction itself. A mini stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), can occur due to similar mechanisms but does not specifically describe the obstructive process of an embolus forming in the cerebral circulation.