Types of stroke, explained
Ischaemic, haemorrhagic, and mini-strokes (TIAs) - what makes them different and why it matters for treatment.
“Stroke” is really a family of conditions. Knowing which type happened helps the medical team choose treatment and helps you understand recovery.
Ischaemic stroke
The most common type, caused by a clot blocking blood flow to part of the brain.
- Often treated urgently with clot-busting medicine or clot removal.
- Every minute counts - faster treatment usually means less damage.
- Frequently linked to conditions like high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
Haemorrhagic stroke
Caused by bleeding in or around the brain when a vessel bursts.
- Managed differently from clot-based strokes - blood thinners are usually avoided.
- Blood pressure control is a key part of care.
- Recovery timelines vary widely and are hard to predict early on.
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
A “mini-stroke” where symptoms clear quickly, but it is a serious warning sign.
- Symptoms may last minutes to hours and then resolve.
- A TIA means a higher risk of a full stroke soon - seek care fast.
- It is a chance to act on risk factors before something bigger happens.
Why the type matters
- Treatment differs sharply between clot and bleed.
- It shapes which medicines are safe afterwards.
- It informs rehab planning and prevention of a second event.
How this site helps
You don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one small idea from above and try it this week.
- Turn a goal into a daily habit with Practice.
- See the evidence behind these ideas in Research.
- Practise the underlying skill with a calm game.
Remember: this is general education, not medical advice. Your clinician knows your situation best.