An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, preventing blood flow and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. This type of stroke accounts for about 87% of all strokes. The main cause of ischemic stroke is atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) that line the vessel walls. Fatty deposits can cause two types of obstruction:

• Cerebral thrombosis: A thrombus (blood clot) that develops at the site of fatty plaque within a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain.

• Cerebral embolism: A blood clot that forms in the heart or large arteries of the upper chest or neck, or at another location in the circulatory system. Part of the blood clot breaks loose, enters the bloodstream, and travels through the brain’s blood vessels until it reaches vessels too small to let it pass. A main cause of embolism is an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, which can cause clots to form in the heart, dislodge, and travel to the brain.

Ischemic stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications. The urgent treatment for ischemic stroke is clot removal, which can be accomplished with medication and mechanical treatments. Doctors can administer medication such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) through an IV in the arm, dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain that’s deprived. After an ischemic stroke, patients will be given specialist care and treatment, including medication to reduce the risk of another stroke. They will also have support for their recovery, including medical treatment and rehabilitation therapy.