What is the most common type of stroke?

The most common type of stroke is the ischemic stroke. This type accounts for approximately 87% of all strokes and occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain. The blockage prevents vital oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain tissue, which can lead to cell death and potentially severe neurological deficits.

Ischemic strokes are typically caused by atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, or by embolisms, where a clot forms elsewhere in the body and travels to occlude a cerebral artery. Recognizing the prevalence of ischemic strokes highlights the importance of understanding preventive measures, such as managing cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and recognizing symptoms to ensure prompt treatment.

In contrast, hemorrhagic strokes, although serious, are less common and occur due to bleeding in or around the brain. Cerebral stroke is a general term that may refer to any stroke affecting the brain, lacking the specificity of "ischemic." Transient strokes, often called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), are temporary and do not cause permanent damage, but they are a warning sign of potential future strokes. Therefore, ischemic stroke stands out as the most frequent type encountered in clinical settings.