Understanding Different Types of Strokes

Differentiating Types of Strokes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 800,000 Americans suffer from strokes each year. This makes it imperative to understand the different strokes and how they can affect potential treatment and recovery.

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic strokes are the most common, accounting for almost 90% of all strokes. This happens when there is an obstruction in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

 

Two types of obstructions can cause an ischemic stroke:

• Cerebral thrombosis: A blood clot that forms around a fatty deposit within the blood vessel.
• Cerebral embolism: A blood clot that forms elsewhere, then breaks off into the bloodstream, finding its way to the brain’s blood vessels where it gets lodged.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) are often referred to as a “mini-stroke” because they are temporary blockages of blood flow to the brain. Although TIAs don’t typically result in much damage and are often left unaddressed, they should be taken as a warning sign for ischemic strokes to occur down the line.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by weakened blood vessels that rupture, bleeding into the area surrounding the brain. Eventually, the blood compressed around the brain tissue.

 

There are two different types of hemorrhagic strokes:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage: Occurs within the brain.
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Occurs at the surface of the brain.

Acute Stroke Care in Lancaster, CA

At Antelope Valley Medical Center, we understand that patients suffering from a stroke require a quick response and accurate diagnosis in the short window following an attack. Antelope Valley Medical Center’s stroke response team has a proven track record for demonstrating extraordinary efficiency and expertise in stroke care.

 

With Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification from The Joint Commission and the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency, AVMC is committed to providing timely care to quickly treat acute stroke victims.

 

“The stroke team at AVMC is dedicated to providing quality care around the clock. We have implemented quality improvement programs to ensure continuous improvement and aim to be a leader of stroke care in the region. During the COVID-19 pandemic we have been unable to provide the community stroke education as we had planned and through this blog hope to increase stroke awareness.,” said Hisham Salahuddin, MD, Antelope Valley Medical Center Neurointerventionist

Call (661) 949-5000 or visit our dedicated stroke care page for more information.