What happens in a stroke?
A stroke is similar to a heart attack in that it results from the blockage of an artery—in this case to the brain rather than the heart. The commonest type of stroke, called cerebral thrombosis, is also due to the formation of a blood clot in an artery (this time in the brain) that has been damaged by deposits of fatty material. Another kind of stroke is caused by the leakage of a weak blood vessel in the brain. The resulting shortage, or blockage, of the blood supply to the brain interferes with the normal functioning of the brain and may affect the control of movement, sensation, speech, or other bodily functions. Like a heart attack, a stroke may be fatal, or a timely warning that serious trouble could occur if certain health measures are not taken. In the majority of strokes, the symptoms disappear after a few weeks. Sometimes, a stroke may leave a permanent handicap, but this can often be overcome with the help of therapy.