A stroke can affect the senses, speech, behavior, thought patterns, and memory. It may result in paralysis, coma, and death. A stroke occurs when an artery to the brain bursts or becomes clogged by a blood clot, cutting of the supply of oxygen to a part of the brain. Brain tissue that is deprived of oxygen dies within minutes. As a result, the part of the body controlled by those brain cells cannot function properly.
Treatment usually involves hospitalization for drug and possible surgery.
Snake venoms Certain snake venoms have fibrinolyases that can digest clots. These are metalloproteinsases and are being studied for potential use.