What is the primary cause of a stroke?

The primary cause of a stroke is the disruption of blood flow to the brain. This interruption can occur due to two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. In ischemic strokes, a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked, often by a clot, which prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain tissue. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, occur when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts, leading to bleeding and increased pressure in the skull that can damage brain cells.

Understanding that blood flow is crucial for brain function highlights the severity of strokes, as brain cells can begin to die within minutes if they do not receive the necessary blood supply. This disruption leads to various neurological deficits depending on the area of the brain affected, underscoring the importance of recognizing the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical assistance.