[Stroke: causes and classification]

Abstract

Cerebrovascular disease is caused by ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoidal haemorrhage or cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis. Approximately 80% of all cerebrovascular accidents are caused by ischaemic stroke, whereas 20% are due to primary haemorrhage. This article summarizes the typical causes of each of the four main groups of cerebrovascular disease and points out clinical differences. Special attention is given to transitory ischemic attacks since new reports underline the necessity of early diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Useful diagnostic and clinical scales are presented and discussed.