The thickened blood prevents normal oxygenation of brain cells. When the cholesterol or plaque travels and blocks an artery supplying the brain, a stroke occurs. Low platelet counts are seen in a number of diseases and conditions, including acute infections and a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock . Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US and many other countries, right after heart disease and cancer . Strokes can cause many different signs and symptoms, depending on the area of the brain that is damaged.
Some people have multiple areas of damage.
Most strokes begin suddenly, develop rapidly, and cause brain damage within minutes. These are often on only one side of the body. In some cases, people may only have weakness or clumsiness in their hand. This may require a person to be put on an artificial breathing machine, or ventilator . Strokes are caused by an interruption of the blood flow to brain cells or by damage to brain cells.