A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. Then the part of the body controlled by that area of the brain can't work properly.
Brain damage can start within minutes of a stroke. But quick treatment can help limit brain damage and increase the chance of a full recovery.
Current as of:
November 21, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation