What is Stroke?

Stroke or brain attack occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain breaks or is blocked by a blood clot. Within minutes, brain cells in the damaged area are killed and soon a "chain reaction" starts destroying cells in other areas of the brain. When brain cells die, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. Where the damage occurs in the brain (and the number of brain cells killed) determines what functions - speech, movement, memory, etc. - will be affected.

A stroke is a medical emergency that if not treated immediately may result in paralysis or death. If you suffer from stroke-like symptoms, seek emergency care without delay or call 911. Quick treatment can prevent additional brain cells from being damaged and, in the case of a severe stroke; can mean the difference between life and death.

For more information on the Brain Attack Center at the Neuroscience Institute, please click here.