What Is the Difference Between Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke?

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A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, causing brain cells to begin dying within minutes. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. There are two main types of stroke — ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke — which differ in both cause and treatment but share similar symptoms.

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What Is an Ischemic Stroke?

Ischemic stroke (also called cerebral infarction) is the most common type, accounting for around 85% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, cutting off oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue.

The clot may form directly in the brain (thrombosis) or travel there from another part of the body, often the heart (embolism).

Common causes of ischemic stroke:

• Atrial fibrillation

• High blood pressure

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

• High cholesterol

• Smoking

Typical symptoms:

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (often on one side)

• Slurred speech or difficulty understanding others

• Vision loss or blurred vision

• Dizziness or loss of coordination

Treatment:
The goal is to restore blood flow as quickly as possible using thrombolysis (clot-dissolving medication) or mechanical thrombectomy (clot removal via catheter).
Treatment must begin within a few hours for the best chance of recovery and minimal brain damage.

What Is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and blood leaks into surrounding tissue, causing damage and increased pressure within the skull.

There are two main types of hemorrhagic stroke:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain tissue.

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding between the brain and the thin membranes covering it.

Common causes of hemorrhagic stroke:

• High blood pressure

• Aneurysm or blood vessel malformation

• Blood-thinning medication

• Head trauma

Typical symptoms:

• Sudden and severe headache (“the worst headache of your life”)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Weakness or paralysis

• Loss of consciousness or confusion

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding, reducing pressure in the brain, and stabilizing the patient. In some cases, surgery is needed to remove pooled blood or repair the damaged vessel.

How Do the Two Types Differ?

Although both types cause similar symptoms, only medical imaging can determine which type of stroke it is. Immediate medical care is crucial — every minute without oxygen causes further brain damage.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you suspect a stroke, call emergency services immediately. Use the FAST test to recognize stroke warning signs:

• Face – smile, does one side droop?

• Arms – raise both arms, does one fall down?

• Speech – repeat a simple phrase, is it slurred?

• Time – every minute counts, call 112 (or 911) immediately!

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