General Overview

Stroke is a brain injury that occurs when the brain's blood supply is interrupted. Without oxygen and nutrients from blood, brain tissue starts to die rapidly, resulting in a sudden loss of function.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) refers to temporary brain dysfunction due to a shortage of blood and oxygen. It is sometimes referred to as a "mini-stroke." TIA is a serious condition that serves as a warning for a stroke.

InDepth

Find answers in our in-depth report on stroke:

• What is a stroke?
• What are the risk factors?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is it diagnosed?
• How is it treated?
• How can I reduce my risk?
• What should I ask my healthcare provider about stroke?

Diagnostic and Surgical Procedures

• Surgery

Living With Stroke

Special Topics

Stroke: do you know the symptoms & risk factors?

Each minute that ticks by after a stroke begins brings death to more brain tissue. Know the signs. A call for help could save a life. Read more here.

People who survive a stroke often suffer serious, long-term disability. Stroke damage can result in paralysis, numbness, imbalance, and difficulty thinking and communicating. While there is no way to reverse the effects of a stroke, it is possible to regain some of the function lost during a stroke. Read more here.

Related Conditions

• Acute coronary syndrome
• Aphasia
• Focal dystonia
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Natural and Alternative Treatments (By Condition)

• Stroke
• Atherosclerosis
• High cholesterol level
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• High homocysteine level
• High triglyceride level