Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleed) - A hemorrhagic stroke is the result of a bleed in the brain where a blood vessel has ruptured. Blood leaks into the surrounding tissue and creates external pressure that damages the brain cells in the area. A hemorrhagic stroke can occur within the brain (intracerebral hemorrhage) or between the brain and the layer of tissue that covers it (subarachnoid hemorrhage). People with high blood pressure and aneurysms are at higher risk for hemorrhagic stroke.
Ischemic Stroke (Clot) - Most (>87%) strokes are caused by an ischemic incident in which blood flow to the brain has been blocked by a clot or stenosis of the blood vessel (Benjamin et al 2017). Patients who have atherosclerosis are at higher risk for an ischemic stroke due to the buildup of fatty plaques that can block blood vessels. Patients may also experience an ischemic stroke when a blood clot from elsewhere in the body travels to and blocks a blood vessel that feeds the brain.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Ministroke
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Ministroke
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary blockage of blood flow to an area of the brain. Generally, these last only minutes, and they do not do any permanent damage. A TIA occurs when a clot or narrowing of the blood vessel temporarily decreases blood supply, but the body is able to overcome this momentary blockage.
Symptoms of a TIA are the same as those of other strokes, but they get better on their own in a short period of time. If you experience the symptoms of a stroke for even a short period of time, you should seek medical evaluation, as a TIA can be a warning of a more serious stroke to come.