The brain needs a constant supply of blood to work well During a stroke, blood stops flowing to part of the brain. The affected area is damaged. Its functions are harmed or even lost. Most strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies the brain (ischemic stroke). They can also occur if a blood vessel in the brain breaks open (ruptures). This is a hemorrhagic stroke.
How a hemorrhagic stroke occurs
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. This lets blood spill into or build up in nearby brain tissue. The extra blood presses on those brain cells. It can damage them or even cause them to die. Other brain cells die because their normal blood supply is cut off because of high pressure in the skull.
Online Medical Reviewer: Anne Fetterman RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Deepak Sudheendra MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2024
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What Is Ischemic Stroke?
Most strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies the brain. They can also occur if a blood vessel in the brain ruptures (bursts open).
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks. A blood vessel on the surface of the brain bursts (hemorrhages). This spills blood into the surrounding tissue. This type of stroke often happens suddenly, with little warning.
Stroke
A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It is an emergency situation.
What is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?
Watch what happens in the brain during a hemorrhagic stroke, its symptoms, and the importance of calling 911 if you think someone may be having a stroke.
