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Lacunar stroke/ lacunar infarct
A blockage in the tiny blood vessels deep within the brain is called a lacunar stroke, and around 25 per cent of ischaemic strokes are caused in this way. Some people experience silent lacunar strokes, which have no symptoms and they may only be discovered when having a brain scan for another reason. Lacunar strokes are associated with the condition small vessel disease.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL)
LDL carries cholesterol from your liver to cells that need it. If there is too much cholesterol for cells to use it can build up in the artery walls leading to narrowing and furring (atherosclerosis). LDL is known as ‘bad’ cholesterol.  

Left hemisphere
The brain has two sides, known as the left hemisphere and right hemisphere, each controlling different functions. Amongst other things, the left side usually controls speech and writing, as well as controlling movement on the right side of the body.

Lipoproteins
Cholesterol is carried around the body by proteins. These combinations of cholesterol and proteins are called lipoproteins. The two main types of lipoproteins are low density lipoproteins (LDL) or ‘bad cholesterol’ and high density lipoproteins (HDL) or ‘good cholesterol’.

Lumbar puncture
A procedure where a needle is used to draw out spinal fluid from inside the lower back for testing.