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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 |
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