Ischemic vs. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Understanding Stroke Types & Symptoms

Stroke Types Explained

Recognising the Variations in Ischemic, Hemorrhagic, and TIA Strokes

A stroke, also called a “brain attack,” happens when there is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain. Long-term consequences including damage to brain cells may result from this disruption. Strokes, however, can occur in a variety of ways, each with a unique origin and possible outcomes. The three primary forms of strokes are covered in detail in this blog post: transient ischemic attack (TIA), hemorrhagic stroke, and ischemic stroke.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

1. The Most Common Type of Stroke, Ischemic:

• Cause: A blood clot stops an artery that supplies blood to the brain, resulting in an ischemic stroke, which accounts for around 87% of all stroke cases. These clots may develop because of:

• Atherosclerosis: The accumulation of plaque in arteries that narrows the channel and raises the risk of clots.
• Blood Clots from Other Places: Blood clots that become loose from the heart or other arteries may enter the bloodstream and become stuck in the arteries that supply the brain.
• Symptoms: All forms of stroke share common symptoms associated with ischemic stroke, which include:

• abrupt numbness or weakness, usually confined to one side of the body, in the arm, leg, or face.
• Having trouble speaking or speaking slowly
• Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding speech
• issues with one or both eyes’ vision
• intense headache without apparent cause
• lightheadedness or unsteadiness

Stroke Types Explained
Therapy: When treating ischemic strokes, time is of the essence. If given quickly, thrombectomy and other minimally invasive techniques can remove the clot and restore blood flow.

2. Less Common But More Severe Hemorrhagic Stroke:

Cause: About 13% of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes, which happen when a brain artery that is weakening bursts, resulting in internal bleeding within the brain tissue. This may occur as a result of:

Stroke Types Explained

• High Blood Pressure: One of the main risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke is uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Aneurysms: Blood artery walls may develop balloon-like bulges that eventually weaken and burst, causing bleeding.
• Signs: Hemorrhagic stroke symptoms can resemble those of ischemic stroke, although they can also occasionally include:

• A sudden, intense headache that is frequently referred to as the “worst headache of my life”
• vomiting or feeling queasy
• Convulsions
• Reduced consciousness

Stroke Types Explained
Therapy: Surgery may be necessary to halt the bleeding and relieve pressure on the brain in cases of hemorrhagic strokes, which frequently call for rapid hospitalisation. Additionally essential are medications for managing edoema and blood pressure.

3. The Warning Sign of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):

• Cause: A transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly referred to as a “mini-stroke,” is a haemorrhage that occurs in the brain and normally goes away in a few minutes or hours. Although the underlying mechanism is similar to that of an ischemic stroke, there is no long-term harm. A TIA, however, is a clear indicator that a full-blown stroke may be on the horizon.

• TIA symptoms are similar to those of an ischemic stroke, although they are transient and frequently go away in less than an hour. It’s critical to identify these fleeting symptoms and get medical help right away.

Understanding Stroke Symptoms Is Critical:

Stroke Types Explained

Whatever the type of stroke, receiving medical assistance quickly is essential. Early intervention reduces the likelihood of future disabilities and greatly increases the possibilities of recovery. You or a loved one can act more swiftly if you or they are aware of the common stroke symptoms (FAST mnemonic: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech trouble, Time to phone emergency services).

Keeping Strokes Away:

Stroke Types Explained

All forms of stroke have many of the same risk factors. You can considerably lower your chance of having a stroke by leading a healthy lifestyle and taking care of any underlying medical issues. This comprises:

• Keeping a healthy weight
• Consuming a well-balanced diet reduced in sodium, added sweets, and saturated and trans fats
• Taking part in regular exercise
• Controlling excessive cholesterol and blood pressure
• Giving up smoking

In summary:

Stroke Types Explained

Knowing the many kinds of strokes, their causes, and their symptoms will enable you to identify a stroke emergency and get help quickly. Making healthy living a priority and controlling risk factors will greatly lower your chance of having a stroke.