Neurology
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
What Happens During a Stroke?
Why Does a Stroke Occur?
Why Does a Stroke Occur?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blood clot that blocks an artery or by a ruptured blood vessel. Reduced blood to the brain deprives tissue of oxygen, and within minutes of a stroke, the brain cells begin to die.
There are three types of stroke: ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
By Jenilee Matz, MPH. Published December 7, 2012. Jenilee Matz, MPH is a medical writer, health educator, and triathlete based in Charlotte, NC.
