What is the predominant type of stroke?

• A. Hemorrhagic
• B. Transient ischemic attack
• C. Hypoxic brain injury
• D. Ischemic

Answer: (D)

Strokes are categorized by how the brain’s blood supply is disrupted. The majority are ischemic, caused by a blockage in a cerebral artery—either a clot forming in place or a piece of clot traveling from another part of the body. This interruption of blood flow deprives brain tissue of oxygen and glucose, leading to tissue injury if perfusion isn’t restored quickly. That’s why ischemic is the best answer: it represents the most common mechanism behind strokes. In contrast, a hemorrhagic stroke results from a ruptured vessel with bleeding into brain tissue and is less common. A transient ischemic attack mimics stroke symptoms but lasts briefly and does not cause lasting brain injury, so it isn’t a stroke itself. Hypoxic brain injury stems from a global lack of oxygen, not a vascular blockage, and isn’t classified as a stroke.