For many people, the warning signs of a stroke — like numbness in the arm, confusion, loss of balance or trouble speaking and seeing — are unmistakable. But often, the underlying cause of these life-threatening medical events can be harder to uncover.
“Strokes are complicated because there’s no pain associated with it,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Many people think they can sleep it off and they’ll be better in the morning.”
“However, if you are experiencing the signs of a stroke, the faster you get to the emergency room, the more likely it is that we can reverse disability.”
While the telltale symptoms may be similar to one another, all strokes are not alike.
At Wellstar, we know each and every stroke is different. That’s why our neuro team provides tailored care along with fast, life-saving treatment for all types of strokes, even the most complex cases.
Fight back against strokes and learn the difference between the three main types: ischemic, hemorrhagic and transient ischemic attack.
Types of Stroke
Not All Are the Same
Published on May 06, 2021
Last updated 11:22 AM May 06, 2021
If you are experiencing the signs of a stroke, the faster you get to the emergency room, the more likely it is that we can reverse disability.
- Dr. Rishi Gupta
Wellstar Director of Stroke and Neurocritical Care
Ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel to the brain is blocked or becomes narrowed. By far, these are the most common type and account for about 87% of all cases, according to the American Stroke Association.
Fatty deposits lining the artery walls can cause a blockage in two ways:
- Thrombotic – A clot that develops in an artery that supplies blood to the brain.
- Embolic – A clot that develops elsewhere and is transported by the blood to a narrow brain artery. This is often caused by an irregular heartbeat, such as atrial fibrillation, which can lead to pooling and clotting of blood in the heart.
Hemorrhagic stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke is caused when a blood vessel leaks or bursts, and then bleeds in the brain. These are less common and account for about 13% of all stroke cases, according to the American Stroke Association.
Weakened blood vessels, often due to hypertension or an aneurysm, are the cause of a hemorrhagic stroke.
Like ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes can occur in two different ways:
- Intracerebral – A blood vessel that bursts and bleeds within the brain.
- Subarachnoid – A blood vessel that ruptures and bleeds in the outside space surrounding the brain.
Transient ischemic attack
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow is temporarily blocked from the brain.While these medical episodes may not cause lasting damage, TIAs need to be taken seriously. TIAs can signal that a full-blown stroke is on the way, so it’s critical to get expert medical care right away.
No matter the type of stroke, calling 911 is still the quickest way to save a life and prevent lasting brain damage.
Want to take action before a stroke happens? Learn ways to lower your risk and stay ahead of strokes.