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What is a Stroke?

As with all organs in the body, the brain needs oxygen and nutrients in order to function properly. See what causes a stroke, and how the brain is affected.

Transcript: What is a Stroke?

Oxygen and Brain Health

As with all organs in the body, the brain needs oxygen and nutrients in order to function properly. These life-sustaining products are delivered to the brain via the blood that travels through the circulatory system.

What Causes a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood to a portion of the brain, resulting in tissue death and loss of brain function. A stroke can be caused by a ruptured blood vessel, such as an aneurysm, or by an embolism, which is a small free-floating clot or particle that becomes lodged in one of the arteries of the brain and interrupts blood flow.

How Does a Stroke Affect the Brain?

Depending on which area of the brain is affected, a stroke can cause speech impairments, paralysis, unconsciousness, or even death.

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