What are the two main types of strokes?

The two main types of strokes are ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, often due to a clot, interrupting the blood flow and depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding within or around the brain. This bleeding can cause increased pressure and damage the surrounding brain tissue.

Understanding these two types is critical as they have different causes, treatment approaches, and prognoses. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 87% of all strokes, making it the more common type. In contrast, while less frequent, hemorrhagic strokes can be more deadly due to the initial trauma and increased intracranial pressure they cause. Recognizing the distinctions between these types of strokes enables healthcare professionals to provide appropriate and timely interventions.

The other options include terms or categories that do not encompass the two main classifications widely recognized in medical literature. For example, embolic refers to a type of ischemic stroke caused specifically by a clot that travels from another part of the body, and aneurysmal is related to hemorrhagic strokes caused by an aneurysm.