Stroke

A stroke, medically known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This loss of blood flow can result from two main mechanisms: ischemic stroke, which accounts for about 87% of all strokes, arises due to a blockage in an artery leading to the brain, often from a blood clot; and hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues.

The interruption of blood flow during a stroke leads to the death of brain cells in the affected area, causing immediate and potentially permanent neurological damage. Symptoms vary depending on the part of the brain affected but can include sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (typically on one side of the body), confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, difficulty walking, dizziness, and severe headache. Prompt medical treatment is critical to minimize brain damage and potential complications, with the first few hours after symptom onset being critical for effective intervention, often referred to as the "golden hour" for acute stroke treatment.