What is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?

Not all strokes are caused by blood clots that block an artery. Nearly 10 percent of strokes happen when a blood vessel ruptures in or near the brain. This is called a hemorrhagic (hem-o-RAYG-ik) stroke.

Are All Hemorrhagic Strokes the Same?

There are two kinds of hemorrhagic stroke. In both, a blood vessel ruptures, disrupting blood flow to part of the brain.

• Subarachnoid (sub-ah-RAK-noid) Hemorrhage
  • Occurs when a blood vessel on the surface of the brain ruptures and bleeds into the space between the brain and the skull.
  • A ruptured aneurysm, often caused by high blood pressure, is the most common cause. An aneurysm is a blood-filled pouch that balloons out from an artery wall.
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage
  • Occurs when a blood vessel bleeds into the tissue deep within the brain.
  • Chronically high blood pressure or aging blood vessels are the main causes of this type of stroke.

How are Hemorrhagic Strokes Treated?

Hemorrhages may be life-threatening, hospital care may need to be in an intensive care unit. Surgery may be needed depending on the cause of the hemorrhage. For example, a procedure or surgery could be performed to repair an aneurysm or remove a blood clot.