Final answer:
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. The most common type is an ischemic stroke, caused by a blockage and making up about 87% of strokes. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding due to a ruptured vessel and is more severe, although less common.
Step-by-step explanation:
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications. The main types of strokes include ischemic stroke, which is due to a blockage such as a blood clot, and hemorrhagic stroke, which is due to bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.
An ischemic stroke accounts for about 87% of all strokes and occurs when an artery supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked. These blocks are typically caused by blood clots or the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. On the other hand, a hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. The accumulated blood puts pressure on the brain cells surrounding it, which destroys or damages them.