What is an ischemic stroke ? A stroke happens when there is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain. Your brain cells cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need from blood, and they start to die within a few minutes. This can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Damage to brain cells can affect how the body works. It can also change how you think, feel and communicate. It’s the most common type of stroke . Around 85% of strokes in the UK are ischaemic strokes . The other 15% of strokes are due to bleeding in or around the brain, known as haemorrhagic stroke . Stroke is prevalent across patient populations and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Strokes are classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic, with hemorrhagic strokes further divided into intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages. Everything you need to know about ischemic stoke , including a definition of the difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke , plus info on symptoms, causes, treatment options and recovery advice.