A stroke is a very dangerous disease that attacks the arteries of the brain. This is the number 5 cause of death and is a leading cause of disability in the United States. Paralysis occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain either stops or ruptures (or ruptures) from clotting. When this happens, the part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and the brain cells die.

Clotting of arteries in the brain due to clotting (thrombosis) is the most common cause of stroke. The part of the brain that is supplied by a clotting blood vessel then loses blood and oxygen. The cells of that part of the brain die as a result of a lack of blood and oxygen and the part of the body ceases to function which it controls. In general, a cholesterol plaque bursts into one of the small blood vessels of the brain and starts the process of clotting.

Types of Stroke

This is the most common type of stroke. It occurs when the brain's blood vessels are narrow or closed, causing a severe decrease in blood flow (ischemia). Blocked or narrow blood vessels are caused by fat deposits that accumulate in blood vessels or from blood clots or other debris that pass through the bloodstream, often by heart, and freezes into blood vessels in the brain.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

A temporary ischemic attack (TIA) - sometimes known as minstruc - is a temporary period of symptoms similar to stroke. TIA does not cause permanent damage. TIA is caused by a temporary decrease in blood supply to the brain part, which can last for at least five minutes. Like ischemic stroke, TIA occurs when a clot or debris reduces or prevents blood flow to a part of the nervous system. Get emergency care even if you think you have TIA because your symptoms have improved. Just on the basis of symptoms it is not possible to tell if you are having a stroke or TIA. If you have TIA, it means that the artery leading to your brain may be partially closed or narrow. Having tia increases your risk of having a full stroke later.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood from the brain's artery flows or ruptures (opens). Discharge blood puts a lot of pressure on brain cells, which damages them. Hypertension and aneurysm - balloon-like bulges in an artery that can spread and explode - are examples of conditions that can cause hemorrhagic paralysis.

There are two types of hemorrhagic stroke: intracerebral hemorrhage is the most common type of hemorrhage stroke. It occurs when an artery of the brain ruptures, causing the surrounding tissues to fill with blood. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a less common type of hemorrhagic stroke. It refers to bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues covering it.

Causes

High blood pressure. Your doctor may call it hypertension. This is the biggest cause of stroke. Higher blood pressure about 140/100 is usually very harmful for stroke, your doctor will talk to you about treatment.

Tobacco. Smoking or chewing it increases your chances of stroke. Nicotine increases your blood pressure. Cigarette smoke causes grease in the main artery of your neck. Tobacco causes blood to become thicker and makes it more likely to clot. Even second hand smoke can affect you.

High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. This happens when blood pressure is too high in your arteries and other blood vessels. Get your blood pressure checked often. If you have high blood pressure, lowering your blood pressure through lifestyle changes or medications can also reduce your risk of stroke.

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