SmartEngageTM

Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted due to the presence of a blood clot (ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells (hemorrhagic stroke). When blood flow to the brain stops, brain cells no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood and die. Sudden bleeding in or around the brain can also cause brain cells to die. This results in temporary or permanent neurologic impairment. Ischemic stroke, also known as cerebral infarction, accounts for 80 to 85% of all strokes, while hemorrhagic stroke accounts for the other 15 to 20%.

Prior to a stroke, some people suffer transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), mini strokes that generally last only 5 to 20 minutes, but can linger for up to 24 hours before the symptoms go away completely. Many times, a TIA is a warning of an impending stroke. Stroke remains one of the most serious of all health problems. Half of stroke sufferers are left disabled, with many undergoing years of rehabilitation.

I Would Like to Learn About:

Conditions with Similar Symptoms

View Conditions

Related Information

Herbs

Asian ginseng Bilberry Dong quai Evening primrose oil (EPO) Garlic Ginkgo biloba Hawthorn

Supplements

Alpha-lipoic acid Betaine Bromelain Calcium Coenzyme Q10 Fiber Flaxseed oil Gamma-linolenic acid Magnesium Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-6 fatty acids Potassium Selenium Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Vitamin E

Learn More About

Acupuncture Herbal medicine Homeopathy Nutrition Relaxation techniques Traditional Chinese medicine Yoga

Review Date: 2/4/2016  

Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.