(NewsNation) — The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke, accounting for about 87% of all cases, according to the American Stroke Association.
It occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
What causes an ischemic stroke?
An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or reduced, preventing oxygen, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels or blood clots that travel through the bloodstream can block or narrow blood vessels. Cerebral thrombosis (blood clot at the site of a brain blockage) or cerebral embolism (blood clot in the heart traveling to the brain) can lead to this.
Ischemic vs hemorraghic strokes
Hemorrhagic strokes, which make up about 13% of stroke cases, occur when a weak blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue. As the blood accumulates, it causes compression that blocks blood flow to parts of the brain.
According to the ASA, two types of bleeding occur with hemorrhagic strokes. Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding within the brain, while subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs between the layers of tissue surrounding the brain.
Another type of stroke is a transient ischemic attack, often called a mini stroke lasting only a few minutes to an hour without long-term effects.