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Stroke

Similar term(s): haemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, thrombotic stroke, brain attack, cerebrovascular attack, cerebral infarction.

Definition:

A stroke is the sudden and instant death of brain cells following an interruption of the blood supply to the brain.

Ischemic strokes generally occur when a blood clot blocks one of the blood vessels in the brain resulting in a temporary or permanent loss of oxygen supply to the brain. They are the most common form of stroke, accounting for 80% of strokes.

Haemorrhagic strokes account for 20% of strokes and are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, causing bleeding into the brain tissue and depriving some areas of oxygen.

Depending on the area of the brain affected, a stroke can cause the paralysis of the arms, legs and facial muscles, weakness, loss of vision and speech, unconsciousness, or death.

Source: GreenFacts

More:
Causes of strokes
Causes of strokes

Source: BBC Heart Disease & Stroke: The Facts 

Translation(s):

Español: Apoplejía

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