Types of stroke

Image of a person's head and neck, showing a blood clot in the brainThere are two main types of stroke.

Ischaemic strokes happen when something blocks an artery that carries blood to the brain. There are several possible causes:

  • a blood clot forms in a main artery to the brain
  • a blood clot, air bubble or fat globule forms in a blood vessel and is carried to the brain
  • there is a blockage in the tiny bloody vessels deep inside the brain.

Image of a person's head and neck, showing a bleed in the brainHaemorrhagic strokes happen when
a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into
the brain (a haemorrhage).

The haemorrhage may be due to:

  • a vessel bursting within the brain itself, or
  • a blood vessel on the surface of the brain bleeding into the area between the brain and the skull.
     

Temporary symptoms may indicate a mini-stroke
Sometimes the blockage in the blood supply to the brain is temporary, and a person will have the symptoms of a stroke for a short time. This is called a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini stroke. A TIA is a sign that part of the brain is not getting enough blood, and there is a risk of a more serious stroke in future. As with major strokes, you must seek medical attention immediately.

 

Ischaemic Stroke by Stroke Association

 

Transient Ischaemic Attack by Stroke Association

Read our publications:
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
Ischaemic stroke
Haemorrhagic stroke
Carotid artery disease

Useful organisations:
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke
Different Strokes
Headway
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