What are the two subtypes of ischemic stroke?

Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked, leading to tissue damage and potential neurological deficits. The two primary subtypes of ischemic stroke are classified based on their underlying mechanisms: thrombotic and embolic strokes.

Thrombotic strokes result from a blood clot (thrombus) developing in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. This often occurs at the site of atherosclerosis, where plaque buildup narrows the arteries. In contrast, embolic strokes are caused by a clot that forms elsewhere in the body (such as the heart) and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in a cerebral artery, blocking blood flow.

Understanding these subtypes is essential for treatment and management decisions, as they may require different therapeutic approaches. The choices related to other types of stroke or unrelated conditions do not accurately represent the two subtypes of ischemic stroke, making the identification of thrombotic and embolic as the correct answer relevant to clinical practice and patient care in the context of ischemic stroke events.