- A stroke occurs when the blood supply to parts of the brain are interrupted, usually due to a blocked or burst blood vessel. The blood supply carries oxygen and nutrients which are essential for the brain to function normally. When oxygen and nutrients can no longer reach parts of the brain vital brain cells are damaged and may die
- The onset of stroke is sudden and the effects on the body are immediate
- It is similar to what happens in the blood vessels leading to the heart when someone has a heart attack
Page last reviewed: 19 Mar 2021
