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What is a Stroke?

A stroke has been called a "brain attack." This happens when blood vessels in the brain are suddenly blocked or burst. Brain cells are denied blood and oxygen and begin to die causing a wide variety of disabling symptoms and often permanent disability or death.

There are two types of stroke:

  • Ischemic- happens when a clot blocks a vessel (or vessels) supplying blood to the brain. It's the most common type, accounting for 87% of all strokes. The treatment goal is to bust or remove the clot from the brain and re-establish the blood of blood and oxygen.
  • Hemorrhagic- is caused by a rupture in a blood vessel within the brain. Fewer strokes happen as the result of a rupture. The treatment goal is to stop the bleeding.

There is also:

  • TIA or transient ischemic attack- a “minor or mini stroke” that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery for a short amount of time. The symptoms of a TIA can be the same as those of a stroke, but they usually last only a few minutes. The symptoms my go away and them comeback again. About 15 percent of major strokes are preceded by TIAs, so don’t ignore a TIA. Call 9-1-1 or seek emergency medical attention immediately!

For more informaiton, please visit http://www.strokeassociation.org/

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