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Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death


ischemic strokeWhat is Stroke?
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. 

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.


Check out some interesting statistics about stroke.
 

 
 
 
types of strokeWhat are the types of stroke?
Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke). A TIA (transient ischemic attack), or "mini stroke", is caused by a temporary clot. 
 
effects of strokeWhat are the effects of stroke?
The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions.  If a stroke occurs and blood flow can't reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should. Learn more about how stroke affects the brain.



Understanding Stroke Risk Understanding Risk Image

Risk factors are traits and lifestyle habits that increase the risk of stroke. Learn which factors you can treat or control - and those you cannot - and what you can do to lower your risk of stroke.
Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis and Treatment Image

When someone has shown symptoms of a stroke or a TIA (transient ischemic attack), a doctor will gather information and make a diagnosis and begin a course of treatment depending on the cause of the stroke.
Stroke in Children Stroke in Children Widget Banner

Stroke in infants and children presents unique challenges to parents, caregivers and researchers.