most common cause of ischemic stroke
What causes an ischemic stroke? Ischemic stroke occurs due to the blockage of blood supply to the brain. There are several factors and conditions that predispose a person to be at increased risk of developing an ischemic stroke, but all will tend to block blood flow in some way. The following are common causes of ischemic stroke: Clots causing blood vessel blockage: Can be blood clots (thrombi) or pieces of fatty deposits (atheromas, or plaques) due to atherosclerosis. These essentially decrease the luminal size of the blood vessel restricting or completely stopping blood flow to the affected area.