Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Each year, about 700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke while more than 150,000 people die as a result of a stoke. Over 60% of stroke deaths occur in women. Strokes are also associated with long-term disability among survivors.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly blocked or diminished, which alters the body function controlled by that area of the brain. This is often referred to as a “brain attack.” If any part of the body - including the brain - is without a source of fresh blood and oxygen, the cells will be injured or may die. Although some cell injury is reversible, the death of brain cells is permanent, usually leaving lasting disability.
There are two main types of stroke:
- Ischemic – caused by a blockage of arteries supplying blood to the brain; account for 88% of strokes
- Hemorrhagic – caused by rupture of a blood vessel, resulting in bleeding in the brain; can occur from the inside by aneurysms or from the outside from head injury. Aneurysms are often caused by congenital defects or high blood pressure (hypertension). Hemorrhagic strokes are the most severe and are often fatal.
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