Stroke

A stroke can occur in one of two ways. A blood vessel in the brain can be blocked or can break and bleed. Ischemic strokes are when a blood vessel to an area of the brain is blocked and blood flow ceases. Brain tissue needs a constant supply of oxygen and when blood flow stops, the brain tissue can die within minutes from lack of oxygen. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and blood leaks out into the surrounding tissue causing damage to brain cells. Symptoms of a stroke include: trouble speaking or understanding speech; paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, usually on just one side of the body; sudden blurred, blackened, or double vision; severe headache with or without nausea; and trouble walking. A stroke is a condition that requires immediate medical attention, even if symptoms are short lived or start to dissipate.