What Is Hemorrhagic Stroke?

The brain needs a constant supply of blood to work. During a stroke, blood stops flowing to part of the brain. The affected area is damaged. Its functions are harmed or even lost. Most strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies the brain. They can also occur if a blood vessel in the brain ruptures (breaks open).

The carotids are large arteries that carry blood from the heart to the brain.

From the Heart to the Brain

The heart is a pump. It sends oxygen-rich blood out through blood vessels called arteries. Carotid arteries carry blood from the heart to the brain. Blood vessels in the brain carry oxygen-rich blood to brain tissue.

Blood from a ruptured artery puts pressure on the brain and damages brain cells.

How a Stroke Occurs

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. This lets blood spill into nearby brain tissue, which damages the cells. Other brain cells die because their normal blood supply is cut off.