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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.

Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Karin M. Lindholm, DO
- Neurology
Last Updated May 23, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 23, 2007
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