But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org , the AAFP patient education Web site. An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP . When an artery that carries blood to the brain is blocked or breaks, it damages the brain.
Strokes can be mild, severe or even fatal.
Most people who have strokes are 60 or older, but younger people can also have strokes. In the past few years, we've learned some ways to prevent stroke. You and your doctor can work together to lower your risk of stroke. Strokes tend to occur in older people. They happen more often in men than in women.