What type of stroke is primarily caused by a blockage of blood vessels to the brain?

Ischemic stroke is primarily caused by a blockage of blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. This blockage can stem from either a thrombus, which is a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel leading to the brain, or an embolism, where a clot from another part of the body travels to and lodges in a brain artery. The key element here is that ischemic strokes are specifically related to the inadequate blood flow caused by these blockages, ultimately depriving brain tissue of the necessary oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to permanent damage if not promptly treated.

The other types of strokes, such as hemorrhagic strokes, are caused by bleeding within or around the brain, which is a different pathophysiological process that does not involve a blockage of blood flow in the same way. While thrombotic and embolic strokes are subsets of ischemic strokes, they are not the broader category that encompasses all blockages caused by reduced blood flow.