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A stroke is the
sudden death of brain cells due to a problem with the blood supply. When blood
flow to the brain is impaired, oxygen and important nutrients cannot be
delivered. The result is abnormal brain function. Blood flow to the brain can be
disrupted by either a blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain. There are
many causes for a stroke, as shown in the table and discussed below. A stroke is
also referred to as a cerebrovascular accident or CVA.
Causes of
Stroke
Blockage of
artery
* Clogging of
arteries within the brain (e.g. lacunar stroke)
* Hardening of
the arteries leading to the brain (e.g. carotid artery
occlusion)
* Embolism to
the brain from the heart or an artery
Rupture of an
artery (i.e. hemorrhage)
* Cerebral
hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain substance)
*
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding between the brain and the inside of the
skull)
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