A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen. There are two main types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot or other particle blocks the blood vessels to the brain, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain tissue. Ischemic strokes account for 85% of all strokes.

• Hemorrhagic stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing blood to spill into the brain tissue or surrounding area.

Some people may have a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), that doesnt cause lasting symptoms. The main causes of stroke include:

• Blocked artery (ischemic stroke): This can be caused by fatty deposits in arteries breaking off and traveling to the brain, poor blood flow from an irregular heartbeat forming a blood clot, or other particles blocking the blood vessels to the brain.

• Leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke): This can be caused by high blood pressure, which can weaken the arteries in the brain and make them more likely to split or rupture.

There are also certain medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, and a history of stroke, heart attack, or irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation. To reduce the risk of stroke, it is important to manage these conditions and make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. If you or someone you know is experiencing a stroke, it is important to seek emergency medical care right away by calling 911.