Which stroke type accounts for 80% of all strokes?

Ischemic strokes account for approximately 80% of all strokes, making them the most prevalent type. These strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is obstructed, usually due to a blood clot or the narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis). This interruption prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain tissue, which can lead to cell death and consequent neurological deficits.

Ischemic strokes can be further classified into two main subtypes: thrombotic strokes, which result from a clot that develops in a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain, and embolic strokes, which occur when a clot forms elsewhere in the body (often the heart) and travels to the brain. Understanding the predominant nature of ischemic strokes is critical, especially in interventional radiology, where timely intervention can significantly affect patient outcomes.

Hemorrhagic strokes, though serious and impactful, represent a smaller portion of the overall stroke incidence, accounting for about 15% of cases. Transient ischemic attacks are temporary episodes of ischemia and are classified differently, as they do not result in permanent damage. Basilar artery strokes are a specific type of stroke and are much less common compared to ischemic strokes as a whole. Thus, recognizing ischemic strokes as the most frequent