Thrombotic stroke occurs when fatty deposits build up in an artery and block blood flow to the brain. Embolic stroke occurs when a clot forms in a vessel in another part of the body, but breaks away and flows through the blood stream until it blocks an artery in the brain. Lacuna stroke is caused by a blockage in certain small blood vessels leading to the brain. Cerebral hemorrhage occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures or breaks apart. If any of these symptoms appear, call 911 immediately.
Warnings known as transient ischemic attacks sometimes happen before an actual stroke.
TIAs occur when the blood supply to the brain is cut off for a short time without causing permanent damage. A TIA is sometimes referred to as mini-stroke. First, stroke is an emergency. Tests called CT scans are done to determine what part of the brain has been damaged, and what caused your stroke in the first place. If the stroke occurred as a result of high blood pressure or a clot traveling from another part of your body to your brain, medication may be given to lower your blood pressure or to thin out the blood and prevent further clots.