How is a stroke classified according to the mechanism of injury?

Strokes are classified primarily into two categories based on the mechanism of injury: hemorrhagic and ischemic.

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding within or around the brain. This type can result from conditions such as hypertension, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations.

Ischemic strokes, on the other hand, are caused by an obstruction of blood flow to the brain, often due to a clot. This could be from a thrombus (a clot that forms in a blood vessel of the brain) or an embolism (a clot that travels from elsewhere in the body).

Understanding this classification is crucial for effective treatment and management strategies for stroke patients. While other classifications like chronic vs. acute, transient vs. persistent, and minor vs. major have relevance in different contexts, they do not address the fundamental mechanism behind the stroke as clearly as the hemorrhagic and ischemic categories do. This classification helps healthcare professionals determine the appropriate interventions and anticipate potential complications.