A stroke is the sudden and instant death of brain cells following an
interruption of the blood supply to the brain.
Ischemic strokes generally occur when a blood clot blocks one
of the blood vessels in the brain resulting in a temporary or permanent loss of
oxygen supply to the brain. They are the most common form of stroke, accounting
for 80% of strokes.
Haemorrhagic strokes account for 20% of strokes and are
caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, causing bleeding into the
brain tissue and depriving some areas of oxygen.
Depending on the area of the brain affected, a stroke can cause the paralysis
of the arms, legs and facial muscles, weakness, loss of vision and speech,
unconsciousness, or death.
