What is a Stroke?

A stroke is often referred to as a "brain attack" that cuts off blood and oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do - from speaking, to walking, to breathing. Most strokes occur when arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the build up of plaque and other fatty deposits. Some strokes are caused when weak spots on the blood vessel wall break and rupture arteries. Brain tissue needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function correctly. When the tissue is cut off from oxygen during a stroke, the tissue begins to die.

Every year stroke strikes approximately 750,000 Americans - killing 160,000 and forever changing the lives of many who survive. For people over 55, the risk of a stroke is greater than one in six. A stroke can cause permanent disability and even death. In fact, it is the third leading cause of death in America, and the number one cause of disability. The good news is that many strokes can be prevented. If you do have a stroke, new treatments may help stop brain damage and disability (if administered within 3 hours of the first sign of a stroke), if you know the signs and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Types of stroke:

• Hemorrhagic Stroke is the most serious. This type occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Hemorrhage can occur in several ways. One common way is a weak spot in an artery wall that stretches or balloons out under pressure, and eventually ruptures. It can also occur when the arterial wall breaks open, due to plaque or fatty deposit build-up.
• Ischemic Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked, suddenly decreasing or stopping blood flow and causing brain damage. The most common reason is developing a blood clot. This type of stroke accounts for 80 percent of all strokes.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also known as a "mini-stroke", occurs when the blood flow to part of the brain is cut off for a short period of time, usually less than 15 minutes. A TIA is a warning sign that something is wrong and should be treated seriously. Of the approximately 50,000 Americans that have a TIA each year, about one-third will have a stroke in the near future. So, if you experience the symptoms of a stroke for only a short period of time, then the symptoms go away, you may be having a "mini-stroke". Although a TIA may not leave noticeable damage, it is important to talk to your doctor immediately.

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