Cerebral embolism. Occlusion usually in distal vessels (e.g., cortex). Sudden onset, isolated cortical signs (aphasia, hemianopia).

Thrombosis. Distal vessel occlusion: often indistinguishable from embolism. Deep penetrating vessel: elementary deficit (weakness, sensory loss, ataxia), often affecting large body regions (arm, face, leg simultaneously), sparing cortical function (language, spatial attention. Proximal occlusion (e.g., MCA stem): severe deficits of entire half of body, often with impaired alertness.

Epidural hematoma: fracture line passing through groove of middle meningeal artery may be visible on CT (bone windows). Even severe syndrome may be reversible by surgical evacuation.