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.
Ischemic Stroke: A Blocked Blood Vessel
An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot or buildup of plaque blocks a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
There are two common ways this blockage can occur:
Thrombotic stroke: A clot forms inside an artery that supplies blood to the brain. This often develops in an area where the artery has been narrowed by plaque.
Embolic stroke: A clot or piece of plaque forms somewhere else in the body—often in the heart—and travels through the bloodstream until it becomes stuck in a blood vessel in the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Bleeding in or Around the Brain
A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a weakened blood vessel leaks or breaks. The escaping blood can place pressure on the brain and damage nearby brain tissue.
The two main types are:
Intracerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs directly inside the brain.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissues that surround it. This type may cause a sudden, extremely severe headache.
Transient Ischemic Attack: A Warning Sign
A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, happens when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. It may cause the same symptoms as a stroke, but the symptoms often disappear after a few minutes.
A TIA is sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” but it should never be considered minor. It is an important warning that a full stroke may happen in the future. Call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms go away.
Cryptogenic Stroke: When the Cause Is Unclear
A stroke may be called cryptogenic when testing does not identify a clear cause. Additional monitoring or medical testing may be needed to look for hidden causes, such as an irregular heartbeat or another condition that could allow a clot to reach the brain.
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.
