Understanding Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident): Recognizing the Signs and Protecting Brain Health
Introduction The brain is the control center of the human body. It allows us to think, speak, move, remember, feel emotions, and perform everyday activities. To function properly, the brain requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered through blood vessels. A stroke , also known medically as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) , occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and causes bleeding. Because brain cells depend heavily on oxygen, a stroke is a medical emergency. Brain tissue can begin to suffer damage within minutes after blood flow is disrupted. Rapid treatment can reduce brain injury, improve recovery, and save lives. Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide, but many strokes can be prevented by controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol. This article explains strokes in simple language, including what causes them, how to ...