Stroke

A stroke is a medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain results in cell death.  There are two main types of stroke: ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and hemorrhagic, due to bleeding.  They result in part of the brain not functioning properly.  Signs and symptoms of a stroke may include an inability to move or feel on one side of the body, problems understanding or speaking, dizziness, or loss of vision to one side.  Signs and symptoms often appear soon after the stroke has occurred.  If symptoms last less than one or two hours it is known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke.  A hemorrhagic stroke may also be associated with a severe headache.  The symptoms of a stroke can be permanent.  Long-term complications may include pneumonia or loss of bladder control.