What is a hemorrhagic stroke?

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding either inside or around the brain. This rupture can put pressure on surrounding brain tissue and result in damage to brain cells, which can be life-threatening. The bleeding interrupts the normal blood flow to parts of the brain, potentially causing severe complications or permanent damage to cognitive and motor functions.

In contrast, the other options represent different types of medical conditions. A stroke caused by blockage of blood vessels is classified as an ischemic stroke, which is the most common type. High blood pressure can contribute to both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes but is not the direct cause of a hemorrhagic stroke itself. Low blood sugar can lead to a variety of symptoms but does not cause strokes. By focusing specifically on the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, it becomes clear why this is the defining characteristic of a hemorrhagic stroke.