A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications.
The main risk factors are high blood pressure, or hypertension, nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke, physical inactivity and a unhealthy diet that results in diabetes or high blood cholesterol.
Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying, paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg, problems seeing in one or both eyes, headache and trouble walking are the most common symptoms.