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Ischemic Stroke

Picture of ischemic stroke

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com

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% of all strokes are ischemic strokes. They are the most common type of stroke in older adults.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Last Revised January 7, 2011

Last Revised: January 7, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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