Final answer:
A stroke is the cause of hemiplegia, due to the disruption of blood supply to the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. Symptoms of a stroke include paralysis or numbness on one side of the body. Strokes require immediate medical attention and treatment to minimize brain damage and potential disability.
Step-by-step explanation:
A stroke is a frequent cause of hemiplegia, or paralysis on one side of the body. The correct answer to fill in the blank is a) Stroke.
A stroke, defined medically as a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when there is a disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. This disruption deprives the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to the death of brain cells. The symptoms of a stroke can include paralysis or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, loss of balance, and headache. In particular, hemorrhagic strokes, where bleeding occurs into or around the brain, can lead to swelling and increased pressure within the skull, worsening the damage.
The disruption of blood to the brain can be caused by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Treatments for stroke focus on restoring blood flow (in ischemic strokes) and controlling the hemorrhage and reducing pressure in the skull (in hemorrhagic strokes).