Ischemic stroke is a prevalent disease that seriously threatens human health. It is characterized by high morbidity, mortality, disability, and recurrence rates, causing a significant economic burden on individuals and society. Circular RNA, a novel non-coding RNA, not only serves as the sponge for microRNAs and proteins but also promotes transcription of their parental genes and translates into peptides. In recent years, circRNAs have emerged as key regulators in ischemic stroke. This article aims to provide new ideas about the pathogenesis and progression of ischemic stroke by reviewing the roles of circRNAs in cerebral ischemic injury and summarizing the association between circRNAs and risk factors for ischemic stroke.