Introduction to Stroke and the Stroke Care Unit

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It occurs when blood vessels in the brain become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the brain—a condition known as ischemia. Narrowing or obstruction may result from fatty deposits within the blood vessels, or from blood clots or other debris that travel through the bloodstream, often from the heart. 

An ischemic stroke occurs when such material becomes lodged in a cerebral blood vessel.

Some early research suggests that COVID-19 infection may increase the risk of ischemic stroke, although further studies are still needed.