Types of Stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of long-term disability in the United States. Approximately 700,000 Americans will have a stroke this year; that's someone every 45 seconds.

• Ischemic Stroke accounts for about 83 percent of all cases. Ischemic strokes occur as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for about 17 percent of stroke cases. It results from a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain.
• Transient ischemic attacks, also known as TIAs, are minor or warning strokes. In a TIA, conditions indicative of an ischemic stroke are present and the typical stroke warning signs develop. However, the obstruction (blood clot) occurs for a short time and tends to resolve itself through normal mechanisms. Even though the symptoms disappear after a short time, TIAs are strong indicators of a possible major stroke. Steps should be taken immediately to prevent a stroke.

For more information about the Stroke Center at The Miriam Hospital, please call 401-793-5533.