Which type of stroke is typically a result of a blood clot?

An ischemic stroke is characterized by the interruption of blood flow to the brain, which is often caused by a blood clot. This clot can form in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain or may travel from another part of the body, typically the heart, a condition known as an embolism. When blood flow is disrupted, brain cells suffer from a lack of oxygen, leading to potential damage or death of those cells.

This type of stroke accounts for approximately 87% of all stroke cases and is differentiated from other types by its underlying mechanism involving clot formation. Factors such as atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries) and certain heart conditions can contribute to the risk of ischemic strokes.

In contrast, a hemorrhagic stroke involves bleeding into or around the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel, while a transient ischemic attack (TIA) presents with symptoms similar to those of a stroke but is temporary and does not cause permanent damage. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a specific type of thrombosis affecting the brain's venous drainage system but is not classified under the common categories of stroke in the same way as ischemic strokes.