What are the two most common types of strokes?

The two most common types of strokes are ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 87% of all stroke cases and occur when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain, reducing blood flow. This type of stroke can be further categorized into thrombotic (caused by a clot forming in the arteries supplying blood to the brain) and embolic (caused by a clot forming elsewhere in the body and traveling to the brain).

Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, happen when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into or around the brain. This type comprises about 13% of stroke cases and is often caused by conditions such as high blood pressure or aneurysms.

Understanding these two types is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as the management strategies for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes differ significantly. The other options either describe conditions that are less common or pertain to strokes within narrower categories, making them less relevant when identifying the most prevalent types of stroke.