Which type of stroke is the most common?

The most common type of stroke is ischemic stroke, which occurs when there is a blockage in one of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. This blockage is often caused by a blood clot, which can form due to conditions like atherosclerosis, where arteries become narrowed by plaque build-up. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 87% of all stroke cases, making it a significant health concern.

This type of stroke leads to reduced blood flow and oxygen to affected areas of the brain, which can result in various neurological deficits depending on the region involved. Rapid treatment is critical to restore blood flow and minimize brain damage.

In contrast, hemorrhagic strokes occur due to bleeding in or around the brain and typically happen as a result of factors like high blood pressure or aneurysms. While transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) present similar symptoms to strokes, they are temporary interruptions in blood supply, not full-blown strokes. Cryptogenic strokes are those where the exact cause is unknown, making them less common overall compared to ischemic strokes, which have well-described causes related to blood clots.