In a stroke, a blocked or ruptured artery suddenly cannot carry blood and oxygen to the brain cells that control all we do-from speaking to walking to breathing. Blockage is caused by blood clots or fatty deposits.
Rupture occurs when weak blood-vessel walls break.
Nearly 550,000 Americans have strokes each year. Some 150,000 die, but even the 400,000 survivors are forever changed. More than half of the stroke victims don't have to be. And if you do have a stroke, prompt response may minimize the brain damage. If your medical risk factors are severe enough, your doctor may prescribe medication or arterial surgery.