What is a Stroke?

A stroke, also known as a brain attack, cuts off vital supplies of blood and oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do - from speaking, to walking, to breathing.

A brain attack happens when an artery leading to or in the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. These arteries can be blocked by blood clots (formed in the heart or elsewhere in the body) that travel to the brain or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. Brain arteries can rupture when weak spots on the blood vessel wall break.