African Americans are at a higher risk of stroke than whites. Hispanics have an intermediate risk. The TIA, however, is a sign that a larger stroke may occur. With an ischemic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain becomes clogged. With a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain actually bursts or leaks.
Hemorrhagic strokes tend to be more serious.
The distinction between type of stroke can be critical in determining the treatment used. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood vessel gets so narrow or clogged that not enough blood can get through to keep the brain cells alive. These plaques build up until the center of the blood vessel is so narrow that little, if any, blood can get past. Many things including high cholesterol and high blood pressure cause plaques. Ischemic strokes may also be caused by small blood clots or emboli that go through the bloodstream and then get clogged in an artery when the artery narrows.