Strokes are classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by the blockage of an artery. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain.
A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It is an emergency situation.
A subarachnoid hemorrhage means that there is bleeding in the space that surrounds the brain. Most often, it occurs when a weakened area in a blood vessel (aneurysm) on the surface of the brain bursts and leaks. The blood then builds up around the brain and inside the skull increasing pressure on the brain. This can cause brain cell damage, life-long complications, and disabilities.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a ministroke or warning stroke, causes symptoms similar to those of a stroke.