Brain attack, more commonly known as a stroke, is just as its name implies…an attack on the brain, a very complex part of our bodies that controls our different body functions. A stroke is caused when a blood vessel is blocked, or bursts, stopping oxygen and nutrients from getting to the brain.

When the human brain is working at full capacity, blood flows through its different vessels. This gives the brain the energy supply it needs to control different body functions.

When a stroke occurs, the blood has trouble reaching a section of the brain. Within a few minutes of obstruction, brain cells are injured and tissue begins to die in the affected area.

Each stroke is different depending on the part of the brain injured, how bad the injury is, and the person’s general health. Some of the effects of stroke can be:

• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
• Problems with balance or coordination.
• Problems using language.
• Being unaware of or ignoring things on one side of the body.
• Pain, numbness or odd sensations.
• Problems with memory, thinking, attention or learning.
• Being unaware of the effects of the stroke.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Problems with bowel or bladder control.
• Sudden bursts of emotion, such as laughing, crying or anger.
• Depression.

Knowing and managing the risk factors and learning the warning signs of a stroke are very important. By knowing the warning signs an individual can increase their chance of survival and recovery by obtaining emergency care immediately.