What is the most common type of stroke, characterized by a blockage due to a clot?

The most common type of stroke characterized by a blockage due to a clot is ischemic stroke. This type occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, leading to a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to the affected area. Ischemic strokes can result from a blood clot that either forms in an artery supplying blood to the brain (thrombotic stroke) or travels from another part of the body to the brain (embolic stroke).

Recognizing ischemic stroke is crucial for prompt treatment because restoring blood flow quickly can minimize brain damage. The treatment often involves medications such as thrombolytics that can dissolve the clot or procedures to remove the obstruction.

In contrast, hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding within or around the brain. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are temporary episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by an interruption in the blood supply that usually resolves within a short period, often less than 24 hours, without lasting damage. Cerebral edema refers to swelling in the brain that can occur following injury or a stroke but is not a type of stroke itself.