What is a hemorrhagic stroke?

A hemorrhagic stroke is a neurological emergency caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. This accounts for 13% of all strokes but can present more dramatically due to blood released under pressure. Symptoms include sudden, severe headache, vomiting, seizure, weakness on one side of the face or body, and/or rapid deterioration in neurological function or consciousness.

What is an ischemic stroke?

87% of all strokes are the ischemic type. Ischemia means a lack of blood supply. Ischemic strokes are usually caused by a clot, narrowing (stenosis), or blockage in a brain or neck artery, resulting in insufficient oxygen delivery to the brain. The gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke, especially within the first 3 hours, is a thrombolytic or clot-busting medication (e.g. tissue plasminogen activator [tPA/alteplase] or tenecteplase).

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Q: What Is the Difference Between Ischemic stroke and Hemorrhagic Stroke?

The main difference between the two types of stroke is the underlying cause of the brain damage. In ischemic stroke, the damage is caused by a lack of blood supply, while in hemorrhagic stroke, it is caused by bleeding into the brain tissue. Both types of stroke are medical emergencies and require immediate medical attention to prevent further damage and improve outcomes. Also called cerebral hemorrhage or brain hemorrhage, a hemorrhagic stroke is a neurological emergency caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Ischemic strokes are usually caused by a clot, narrowing (stenosis), or blockage in a brain or neck artery, resulting in insufficient oxygen delivery to the brain.

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September 26, 2022

What Is the Difference Between Ischemic stroke and Hemorrhagic Stroke?

by PNI Experts

Sandra Narayanan, MD, Vascular Neurologist and Neurointerventional Surgeon at the Pacific Stroke and Neurovascular Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, explains the difference between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.

Last updated: March 3rd, 2023

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What Is the Difference Between Ischemic stroke and Hemorrhagic Stroke?