What is an ischemic stroke?

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to a specific part of the brain is obstructed, typically due to a blockage formed by a clot or plaque buildup within the arteries supplying blood to the brain. This blockage prevents the necessary nutrients and oxygen from reaching brain cells, which can lead to cell death and subsequent neurological damage. The most common causes of ischemic strokes include atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaque) accumulate in the blood vessels, and embolism, where a clot travels from another part of the body to the brain's blood vessels.

This type of stroke is critical to understand because it constitutes about 87% of all strokes and requires immediate medical attention to restore blood flow and minimize brain damage. In contrast, other options describe different medical conditions. For instance, bleeding in the brain, such as from an aneurysm, relates to hemorrhagic strokes, while transient blockages refer to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are temporary and do not cause permanent damage. Complete cessation of blood flow to the body is a more severe condition and not specific to stroke. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the different types of cerebrovascular incidents and their implications for health care.