Figure 2.

Possible link between stress, autonomic nervous system (ANS) and progression of ischemic stroke. This process illustrates that the initial stress (as risk factors) affects ANS function and causes a dysfunctional ANS response to stress, which combined with the initial stressors causes the development of stress-related disorders. Acting as secondary stressors, these stress-related disorders may further impair ANS function and predispose to transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. Finally, the initial and secondary stressors, along with dysfunctional ANS responses, contribute to the development of secondary ischemic events. Acute stressors precipitate the development of both initial TIA and minor stroke events and subsequent ischemic events. This vicious cycle leads to an accumulation of stress that affects the entire body, which potentially promotes the development of initial TIAs and the secondary ischemic events.