Types of Strokes

• There are two major types of strokes: Ischemic stroke and Hemorrhagic stroke.

Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. This blockage can occur due to a blood clot, plaque buildup, or other factors that narrow or block the blood vessels. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and can be further divided into two subtypes:

1. Thrombotic stroke: This occurs when a blood clot forms within the blood vessels of the brain and obstructs the flow of blood to the brain.
2. Embolic stroke: This occurs when a blood clot forms in another part of the body and travels to the brain, blocking a blood vessel and causing a stroke.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks, causing bleeding in the brain. This type of stroke can be caused by several factors, including high blood pressure, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and head injuries.

It is also worth noting that there is a third, less common type of stroke called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. A TIA is caused by a temporary disruption in blood flow to the brain and can cause similar symptoms to a stroke, but they typically last only a few minutes to a few hours and do not cause permanent damage. However, TIAs are considered warning signs of a potential major stroke and should be taken seriously.