There are two types of hemorrhagic strokes: those caused by an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and those caused by a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

ICH occurs when an artery suddenly bursts and releases blood within brain tissue. This blood can damage the brain tissues, causing a stroke, and can cause a sudden increase in the pressure inside the skull.

SAH most commonly occurs when a cerebral aneurysm (an abnormal outpouching of an artery) ruptures, causing a release of blood into the subarachnoid space outside of the brain, between the skull and the brain itself. This blood can also cause a sudden increase in pressure inside the skull.

In either type of stroke, death or symptoms ranging from severe to mild can result, depending on the amount of pressure.