Diseases

Stroke

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A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. A stroke is a medical emergency.

SYMPTOMS

Sudden loss of balance and coordination
Sudden dizziness
Facial asymmetry (drooping eyelid and mouth on just one side)
Inability to move, particularly affecting just one side of the body
Confusion
Slurring words
Numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Blurred vision, blackened vision, or double vision
Sudden severe headache

CAUSES

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted or reduced. This deprives your brain of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause your brain cells to die. A stroke may be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).