A STROKE CAN HAPPEN WHEN THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:
-A blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. This is called an ischemic stroke.
-A blood vessel breaks open, causing blood to leak into the brain. This is called a hemorrhagic stroke.
-An artery leading to or inside the brain becomes blocked for a short period of time. This is called a mini-stroke or TIA.
If blood flow is stopped for longer than a few seconds, the brain cannot get blood and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing permanent damage.
A stroke involves loss of brain functions caused by a loss of blood circulation to areas of the brain. The blockage usually occurs when a clot or piece of atherosclerotic plaque breaks away from another area of the body and lodges within the vasculature of the brain.
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