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Ischemic Stroke

A clot blocking blood flow to an area of the brain

An ischemic stroke develops when a blood vessel (artery) supplying blood to an area of the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot. The clot may form in the blood vessel (thrombus) or travel from somewhere else in the blood system (embolus).

About 80 out of 100 strokes are ischemic strokes. They are the most common type of stroke in older adults.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Current as ofDecember 6, 2017

Current as of: December 6, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation