What is the most common type of stroke?

The most common type of stroke is ischemic stroke, which accounts for approximately 87% of all stroke cases. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, typically by a blood clot. This obstruction deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death and neurological deficits.

Ischemic strokes can be further categorized into two main types: thrombotic strokes, which result from a blood clot that forms in a narrowed artery due to atherosclerosis, and embolic strokes, which occur when a clot forms away from the brain and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in a narrower brain artery. The prevalence of ischemic strokes stems from risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and atrial fibrillation.

In contrast, hemorrhagic strokes, while severe and critical, represent a smaller proportion of total strokes and occur due to bleeding in or around the brain. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) serve as temporary episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by a brief interruption in blood flow to the brain. Although they are important warning signs for future strokes, they are not classified as strokes themselves. Cryptogenic strokes are a specific subtype of ischemic stroke for which no clear cause