Penumbra (medicine)

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In pathology and anatomy the penumbra is the area surrounding an ischemic event such as an ischemic, thrombotic or embolic stroke. Immediately following the event blood flow and therefore oxygen transport is reduced locally, leading to hypoxia of the cells near the location of the original insult. This can lead to cell death and amplify the original damage from the infarction. In the emergency department a major concern is to protect the penumbra by increasing oxygen transport and delivery to cells in the danger zone, thereby limiting cell death.