Over time, it is expected that this disease will be called Brain Attack instead of stroke to help people better recognize what is occurring when this disease strikes. A brain attack typically occurs without warning. Unfortunately, a person can be having the best day of his or her life and then suddenly be in grave trouble. Usually, a brain attack is caused by the blockage of a blood vessel to the brain. Sometimes it is caused by a blood vessel breaking open in the brain.
Brain attack is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
Sudden numbness on one side of the body. Brain attack is an emergency. If you develop any of these symptoms go to an emergency room immediately. There are many ways that a person's risk for having a brain attack can be reduced. Below is a list of the leading modifiable risk factors for brain attack.