Stroke

Picture of stroke

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

A stroke is a sudden disruption in blood flow to the brain caused by a blockage or bleeding of a blood vessel. Areas of the brain that are affected by the blockage or bleeding can become damaged within minutes. The effects of a stroke may be mild or severe and temporary or permanent. The effects depend on which brain cells are damaged, how much of the brain is involved, and how quickly the blood supply is restored to the area.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerHoward Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology
Last RevisedDecember 4, 2010
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: December 4, 2010
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology

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