Stroke

A stroke is a serious medical condition in which there’s a disruption in the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Without an adequate supply of blood, even for a short period of time, brain cells die, affecting body functions like movement, eating, or speaking.

There are two kinds of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic stroke

During an ischemic stroke, there’s a blockage in one of the major blood vessels to the brain. Blood clots or a buildup of plaque are the most common causes of an ischemic stroke.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when one of the blood vessels in the brain bursts.

A stroke can happen at any time and at any age. However, your risk of having a stroke increases if you have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes.