(See also Overview of Stroke.)
Most strokes are caused by a blockage of blood flow to part of the brain causing death of brain tissue (ischemia). Such strokes are called ischemic strokes. Only about 20% of strokes are caused by hemorrhage.
There are two main types of hemorrhagic strokes:
Other disorders that involve bleeding inside the skull include epidural hematomas and subdural hematomas, which are usually caused by a head injury. These disorders cause symptoms that sometimes resemble those of a stroke.