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Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic Stroke

“Stroke is just the tip of an iceberg. It’s not the disease itself, it’s a manifestation of an underlying problem in the brain – and the body,” explains Dr. Rost. “Such problems are usually caused by a lifelong exposure to medical conditions we call risk factors.” Even though ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes have different causes, they have similar risk factors.

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 Understanding the Differences Between Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes

Strokes rank among the top causes of disability and death globally, highlighting the importance of understanding stroke types and their impact on the brain. The two main types, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, differ in causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. This article compares ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes to help you recognize stroke symptoms and the need for immediate medical intervention.

Articles of Interest

I had a stroke when I was 29. My brain aged 10 years overnight.

The estrogen in some birth control pills increases the chance that women taking them will develop a blood clot or venous thrombosis like the one that caused my stroke and hemorrhage, leading neurovascular surgeon Dr. Ricardo Hanel told me. It also ups the likelihood of a pulmonary embolism when a clot blocks the arteries in your lung, and dural sinus thrombosis when a clot blocks blood flow from the brain.

Stroke: young people can have them too – here’s how to know if you’re at risk and what to look out for

Most of us think of stroke as a condition that only affects older people. But while it’s more common in old age, around 10% of all strokes happen in people under the age of 45 – and the figure is rising. The outcome of a stroke in young people can be complicated. While young brains are better able to repair themselves after trauma, the brain isn’t fully developed until 28. So in some ways it may actually be more vulnerable than an older brain to damage.

Cerebellar stroke – it’s about more than coordination and balance

Cerebellar stroke can be more difficult to accurately diagnose because the symptoms frequently don’t scream “Stroke!” the way that weakness on one side of the body or a facial droop may. I have seen cerebellar stroke patients in the acute setting diagnosed with migraine, benign forms of vertigo, intoxication, and substance abuse. When diagnosed early, situations leading to cerebellar stroke can be successfully treated with better outcomes for patients. Awareness of cerebellar stroke in both the community and amongst medical providers is critical for earlier diagnosis and more optimal management.

Deconstructing the “Mini-Stroke”

The unfortunate reality is that stroke can happen at any age and can affect anyone. A stroke is a stroke. Period. A stroke results in an injury to the brain. There are two basic types of strokes – ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic vs. Hemorrhagic Stroke: What’s the Difference?

Both types of strokes are dangerous and deadly without quick treatment. Learn what characteristics set them apart — and why even a “mini-stroke” requires attention.

Strokes Are More Common and Serious in Women

For women, the period of biological change that occurs during perimenopause and menopause is also critical. Many women start to develop blood pressure issues during this transition. Experts believe this is because the hormone estrogen may help keep blood vessels relaxed and balance cholesterol levels. When the body stops producing estrogen, the incidence of stroke and other heart diseases goes up.

Types of Strokes

Despite the differences in causes, strokes present with similar symptoms. Suddenly experiencing numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially if it’s just on one side of the body, could be a stroke. You may experience sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, difficulty seeing, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or a sudden lack of coordination. A stroke can also present as a severe, sudden headache with no discernible cause.

What are the Types of Stroke?

Not all strokes are the same — and understanding the different types can help you recognize symptoms, seek the right treatment quickly, and take steps to lower your risk. Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a burst blood vessel. Here's what you need to know:

Resources

Stroke Foundation

A stroke can happen in two main ways: A blood clot or cholesterol plaque blocks a blood vessel. This is called an ischaemic stroke. A blood vessel leaks or breaks. This is called a haemorrhagic stroke.

Heart & Stroke

In rare cases, an underlying condition such as a tumour, an infection, or brain swelling due to an injury or illness can cause a stroke. Some people have irregularities in their arteries at birth that can cause a stroke later in life.

World Stroke Organization

There are two main types of stroke, ischemic and haemorrhagic.