A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
- Severe headache with no known cause
The risk of stroke increases with age, but it can also occur in younger people. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.
