Which type of stroke is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain?

Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain, typically due to a blood clot or plaque buildup within the arteries supplying the brain. When blood flow is restricted, brain cells begin to die due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. This type of stroke accounts for approximately 87% of all strokes and can occur in two primary forms: thrombotic strokes, which arise from blood clots forming in the arteries of the brain, and embolic strokes, which occur when the clot originates elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain.

In contrast, hemorrhagic stroke involves bleeding in or around the brain due to the rupture of a blood vessel, leading to different pathophysiological processes and management strategies. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is considered a temporary blockage that resolves quickly, often serving as a warning sign for a future stroke rather than causing permanent damage. Cryptogenic stroke refers to a stroke where the specific cause cannot be determined after thorough investigation. Understanding these differences highlights why ischemic stroke is specifically linked to the blockage of blood flow to the brain.