Haemorrhagic StrokesĪ haemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is a rupture in a cerebral blood vessel that causes bleeding in the brain (ASA 2018a). This thrombus may then occlude the artery (The Internet Stroke Center n.d.a).Īn embolic stroke occurs when an embolus forms in the circulatory system (usually in the heart or large arteries of the upper chest and neck), dislodges and is carried to the brain, where it occludes a cerebral blood vessel (ASA 2019). It is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of cases (ASA 2019).Ī thrombotic stroke is caused by a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, narrowing the lumen and causing a thrombus to form. Ischaemic StrokeĪn ischaemic stroke occurs when a thrombus or embolus impairs cerebral blood flow. There are two main types of stroke: ischaemic and haemorrhagic. The disruption of blood flow deprives the affected area of the brain from the nutrients and oxygen it needs to survive, resulting in cell death (Mayo Clinic 2020). It is important to know exactly what type of stroke your patient has experienced in order to predict some of these symptoms.Ī stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, is the interruption of blood supply to part of the brain, resulting in acquired (non-traumatic) brain injury (Mayo Clinic 2020 Brain Injury Association of America 2018).
In reality, there are different types of strokes and therefore, different resulting symptoms.
You might automatically envision mobility difficulties and hemiplegia, or perhaps swallowing problems, or maybe even being unable to speak and communicate. Many people have misperceptions about how someone will be affected by a stroke.