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Stroke signs? B.E.F.A.S.T. — Call 911 immediately.

Resources About Strokes for Families and Patients

Types of Strokes

Types of Strokes

Understanding the Different Types of Stroke

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in or around the brain breaks. Without a steady supply of blood and oxygen, brain cells can become damaged or die. Stroke is a medical emergency, and every minute matters.

Every Stroke Is Different

The effects of a stroke depend on where it occurs in the brain, how much brain tissue is affected, and how quickly treatment begins. A stroke may affect movement, speech, vision, memory, emotions, balance, swallowing, or other abilities.

Know the Warning Signs: BE FAST

  • B – Balance: Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
  • E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes
  • F – Face: One side of the face droops
  • A – Arms: One arm becomes weak or numb
  • S – Speech: Speech becomes slurred, confused, or difficult
  • T – Time: Call 911 immediately

Do not drive yourself or wait to see whether the symptoms improve. Fast treatment can save brain function, reduce disability, and save lives.

This information is provided for general education and should not replace advice from a qualified health-care professional.

Click to Learn About Each Type

  • Blocked blood flow to the brain

    An ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. It is the most common type of stroke and accounts for about 87% of strokes according to the American Stroke Association.

    Ischemic Stroke
    Ischemic Stroke

    Ischemic Stroke

    Blocked blood flow to the brain

    An ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. It is the most common type of stroke and accounts for about 87% of strokes according to the American Stroke Association.

    What causes it?
    A clot or other material blocks blood flow to part of the brain. Plaque buildup in blood vessels can also contribute to a blockage.

    Why does it matter?
    Without adequate blood flow, brain cells can quickly become damaged.

    Treatment may include:
    Medications to dissolve or prevent clots and, for some patients, procedures that remove a clot and restore blood flow.

  • Bleeding in or around the brain

    A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. The blood can place pressure on surrounding brain tissue and cause damage.

    Hemorrhagic Stroke
    Hemorrhagic Stroke

    Hemorrhagic Stroke

    Bleeding in or around the brain

    A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. The blood can place pressure on surrounding brain tissue and cause damage.

    What causes it?
    Possible causes include uncontrolled high blood pressure, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and other conditions that weaken blood vessels.

    Why does it matter?
    Treatment focuses on identifying and controlling the bleeding and reducing damage to the brain.

    Treatment may include:
    Medications, endovascular procedures or surgery depending on where the bleeding is occurring and what caused it.

  • A warning sign that should never be ignored

    A TIA happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms may disappear, but a TIA can signal a serious risk of a future stroke. The American Stroke Association refers to it as a “warning stroke.”

    Transient Ischemic Attack — TIA
    Transient Ischemic Attack — TIA

    Transient Ischemic Attack — TIA

    A warning sign that should never be ignored

    A TIA happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms may disappear, but a TIA can signal a serious risk of a future stroke. The American Stroke Association refers to it as a “warning stroke.”

    What does it look like?
    TIA symptoms can look just like stroke symptoms, including sudden weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, vision changes, dizziness or loss of coordination.

    Why does it matter?
    Symptoms going away does not mean the danger has passed. CDC notes that stroke risk following a TIA can be especially high in the days immediately afterward.

    If symptoms appear suddenly, call 911.

    Do not wait to see whether the symptoms improve.

  • When the cause is not immediately known

    A cryptogenic stroke is a stroke for which a definite cause cannot be identified even after medical evaluation. Finding possible underlying causes is important because it may help guide treatment and reduce the risk of another stroke.

    Cryptogenic Stroke
    Cryptogenic Stroke

    Cryptogenic Stroke

    When the cause is not immediately known

    A cryptogenic stroke is a stroke for which a definite cause cannot be identified even after medical evaluation. Finding possible underlying causes is important because it may help guide treatment and reduce the risk of another stroke.

    After a cryptogenic stroke, a healthcare team may look more closely for possible causes such as heart rhythm problems or other sources of blood clots.

Trusted Stroke Education Resources

American Stroke Association — Types of Stroke
Explore Types of Stroke

CDC — Stroke Treatment & Types
Visit CDC Stroke Information

Mayo Clinic — Stroke Diagnosis & Treatment

Explore Mayo Clinic Stroke Information

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