What percentage of ischemic strokes do lacunar strokes account for?

Lacunar strokes account for approximately 25% of all ischemic strokes. This type of stroke occurs due to the occlusion of small penetrating arteries that supply blood to deep structures of the brain, such as the basal ganglia and thalamus. These small vessel occlusions are often associated with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which are prevalent risk factors in the population. Understanding the prevalence of lacunar strokes within the ischemic stroke category is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment strategies, as it highlights the importance of managing vascular risk factors to reduce the incidence of strokes overall.