A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can happen when a blood clot blocks a vessel or artery, or when a blood vessel breaks. When a stroke occurs, it kills brain cells in the immediate area.

Types of Stroke

Two types of strokes include:

Ischemic strokes are caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain where cells are without oxygen and glucose. Ischemic strokes account for 80% of all strokes.

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. While these strokes are less comon and account for 20% of strokes, they are more deadly than ischemic strokes.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs or Mini-Strokes)

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are a serious warning that a stroke is waiting to happen. Symptoms of TIAs are the same as for stroke. Unlike a full stroke, symptoms of TIAs resolve within minutes to hours.

More than one-third of all people who experience a TIA will go on to have a full stroke:

5% will experience a stroke within one month of the TIA or first stroke

12% will experience a stroke within one year

20% will experience a stroke within two years.

25% will experience a stroke within three years

Management of TIAs is focused on preventing a future stroke. Several clot prevention medications are available to reduce the risk of a full stroke. Anyone who suspects that he or she has experienced a TIA should contact his or her physician immediately for follow up, evaluation and possible treatment.