A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, depriving it of oxygen. The consequences can be very serious, even fatal. There are several types of strokes: Ischemic stroke is the most common. It occurs when a blood clot or cholesterol plaque blocks an artery (called an embolism or thrombosis).
Hemorrhagic stroke is rarer. This is a brain hemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm, a tumor, an accident, a circulatory disorder, etc.
Finally, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary blockage of an artery that resolves spontaneously after a few moments. Unfortunately, some people confuse a TIA with fainting.
Symptoms to watch for can vary depending on the area of the brain affected. These can range from facial drooping to sudden blindness, including speech problems or muscle weakness.
