Another form of stroke occurs when the arteries in the brain form a balloon, or aneurysm, that can explode. This type of blood flow injury is called a hemorrhagic stroke , i.e. blood is freely present in the brain substance, not contained within the arteries. Either of these two types of brain injuries can produce similar symptoms in a stroke victim. In these cases the arteries that become veins are formed abnormally and are at risk to give away and rupture. Substance Abuse-Cocaine is a known offender as well as stimulants such as amphetamines.
Chronic alcoholism can also cause weakening of the blood vessels that cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
This occurs in all aging populations. Hardening of the arteries can progress to the point that eventually no blood can get past the point of constriction. Symptoms caused by this brain injury typically appear more slowly because a thrombus more gradually produces ischemia. Embolic stroke-normally, the heart pumps blood in a rhythmic fashion. At times the heart can lose its normal rhythm, causing blood clots to form.