hemorrhagic stroke

A type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain or on the surface of the brain leaks or breaks open, causing bleeding in or around the brain. This leads to swelling and pressure, which can damage cells and tissue in the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke is usually caused by high blood pressure, aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, head injury, or a bleeding disorder. Also called hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident.