What is a stroke?

A stroke is a break or blockage of blood flow to the brain, either due to a blocked blood vessel or a burst artery. As a result, brain cells cannot receive oxygen, which they need to function (1).

(1) NINDS Stroke Information Page. (2001) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
< http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/stroke.htm > 1 June 2004.