A stroke, more commonly known as a cerebral infarction or embolism, is a cerebrovascular disease. It occurs when a blood vessel ruptures or blocks, reducing blood flow to the brain. Because blood does not reach the brain in the necessary amount, nerve cells do not receive oxygen and stop functioning.

Types of stroke

Ischemic or cerebral infarction

An ischemic stroke, or cerebral infarction, occurs when an artery becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot or thrombus. The thrombus partially or completely limits blood flow, decreasing the amount of oxygen reaching the brain.

Hemorrhagic

Hemorrhagic stroke is the least common type of stroke, accounting for between 10 and 15% of cases. It occurs when a blood vessel (vein or artery) ruptures, resulting in bleeding within the brain. Oxygen is cut off from the brain, causing nerve cells to stop functioning and die within minutes.

In most cases, it's a disease that develops very rapidly, causing brain damage within minutes. Less frequently, symptoms worsen over time.

Depending on which side of the brain is affected, different symptoms will occur:

• Tingling or muscle weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Difficulty speaking, reading, or understanding others who speak.

• Distortion of vision in one eye

• Severe headache.

• Loss of balance and coordination.

Source: https://rithmi.com/