A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. Clots that block an artery cause ischemic strokes. This is the most common type of stroke. Ruptured blood vessels cause hemorrhagic strokes. When part of the brain dies from lack of blood flow, the part of the body it controls is affected.
Strokes can cause paralysis, affect language and vision, and cause other problems.
A TIA can occur days, weeks or months before a major stroke. Compared with people who haven't had a TIA, people who've had a TIA are nine times more likely to have a stroke. TIAs occur when a blood clot temporarily clogs an artery, and part of the brain doesn't get the blood it needs. The warning signs are the same as for stroke. Like stroke, TIA symptoms occur rapidly, but they last a relatively short time.