A stroke can be classified as either an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke is when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain, while a hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds. Knowing the difference between these two types of strokes is important, as they require different treatments. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between these two types of strokes.
What is An Ischemic Stroke?
An ischemic stroke sometimes called a “brain attack,” occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked or plugged. This type of stroke can happen when fatty deposits, called plaque, or a blood clot form and blocks one of the arteries leading to your brain. An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. An ischemic stroke can cause serious problems. An ischemic stroke usually happens suddenly. Symptoms include confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and severe headache. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s very important to get to a hospital right away so you can be treated.
An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency. The sooner you are treated, the better your chance for recovery. An ischemic stroke can be fatal. An estimated 140,000 people die each year from this type of stroke in the United States alone. An ischemic stroke can also cause lasting damage. Many people who survive an ischemic stroke will have long-term disabilities. About two-thirds of survivors will need help taking care of themselves and may never be able to return to their previous level of activity.
What is Hemorrhagic Stroke?
- Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks. This type of stroke is different from ischemic stroke, which happens when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke is less common than ischemic stroke, but it is more likely to be fatal.
- There are two types of hemorrhagic stroke: intraparenchymal and subarachnoid. Intraparenchymal hemorrhage happens when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain tissue. This type of hemorrhage is also called cerebral hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the space around the brain. This type of hemorrhage is also called brain bleed.
- Hemorrhagic stroke can be caused by many things, including high blood pressure, head trauma, and aneurysms. Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke depends on the cause and severity of the bleed. Some people may need surgery to repair the damaged blood vessel, while others may only need medication to control their blood pressure. Hemorrhagic stroke can be fatal, but early treatment can increase the chances of a full recovery.
Difference between An Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke
There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked, preventing blood from reaching the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain. Both types of strokes can be deadly, but they require different treatments. An ischemic stroke can often be treated with a clot-busting medication, while a hemorrhagic stroke requires surgery to repair the damaged blood vessel. If you think someone is having a stroke, it’s important to act quickly and call 911 for medical help. Knowing the difference between these two types of strokes could save a life.
Conclusion
Strokes are serious medical emergencies that can cause lasting damage or death. It’s important to be able to identify the type of stroke in order to provide appropriate treatment. Knowing the difference between an ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke is crucial for providing timely care.