Stroke, also referred to as a brain attack, is a type of cerebrovascular disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain.
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A stroke involves brain damage caused
by a loss of blood circulation to an area
of the brain. The blockage usually occurs
when a clot or (less often) piece of
atherosclerotic plaque breaks away from
an artery elsewhere in the body and lodges
within the vasculature of the brain.
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There are three different types of strokes: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack).
An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, and it occurs when a clot in the blood vessels blocks the flow of blood to the brain.
A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain.
A TIA is a warning stroke. In a TIA, conditions indicate an ischemic stroke is present and the typical stroke warning signs develop. However, the blood clot occurs for a short time and tends to resolve itself through normal mechanisms. Even though the symptoms disappear after a short time, TIAs are strong indicators of risk for a major stroke. Steps should be taken immediately to prevent a stroke.