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Stroke, Cerebrovascular accident

A stroke is caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain, usually because a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage to the brain tissue.

The most common symptom of a stroke is sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body. Other symptoms include: confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech; difficulty seeing with one or both eyes; difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; severe headache with no known cause; fainting or unconsciousness.

The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured and how severely it is affected. A very severe stroke can cause sudden death.

RELATED SITES

- WHO Global InfoBase: stroke, cerebrovascular accident

PUBLICATIONS

- The atlas of heart disease and stroke

RELATED LINKS

- Stroke information country profiles
- Stroke surveillance
- Prevention of recurrent heart attacks and strokes in low and middle income populations

FEATURES

- Face to face with chronic disease