Learn About Stroke

What is a Stroke? | Stroke Signs | Risk Factors | Facts

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain.  Most strokes are caused by an abrupt blockage of arteries leading to the brain (ischemic stroke).  Other strokes are caused by bleeding into brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke).   

Because stroke occurs rapidly and requires immediate treatment, stroke is also called a brain attack.  When the symptoms of a stroke last only a short time (less than an hour), this is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke.

• Stroke affects more than 600,000 Americans each year - including 150,000 deaths.

• World wide stroke incidence is around 25 millions.

• World wide stroke mortality is 1 million per year.

• Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States.

• Stroke has many consequences.  Including motor disability, seizures, depression, dementia, incontinence and many others.