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A Stroke or cerebrovascular accident occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is in sufficient, causing an area of brain damage.
A transient ischaemic attack, TIA can be a warning sign that a large stroke can happen.
A transient Ischaemic Attack, TIA are temporary cuts in the blood supply to the brain, due to a blockage or partial blockage of an artery by a blood clot or debris. They are similar to a stroke but usually do not cause lasting damage. They are often called mini strokes.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel leading to the brain either becomes blocked or bursts. The effects can vary according to the part of the brain affected and the amount of blockage.  Minor strokes can cause facial muscle drooping or slightly slurred speech, while a major stroke can cause paralysis, dementia, coma or death.  The two types are blockage or cerebral infarction and a bleeding or cerebral haemorrhage stroke.

The infarction type are 85% of all strokes and are usually the result of atherosclerosis and fatty deposit build-up. They may also be caused by a embolism from other parts of the body to travel to the brain. This can occur from many causes including Atrial Fibrillation.
The haemorrhagic strokes may be a result of inadequately treated Hypertension or BP, or an aneurism. A severe bled may be instantly fatal, while small bleed can lead to a slow decline.
The main factors that increase the risk of stroke include hypertension, heart disease, atherosclerosis, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, high alcohol intake, obesity and lack of exercise. The greatest risk is high blood pressure.
The FAST test is any easy way to recognise and remember the signs of a stroke.
1. F stands for facial weakness, has their face or mouth drooped.
2. A stands Arm weakness, can they lift the arms.
3. S stands for Speech difficulty, what is the comprehension?
4. T stands for time it is critical with any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
A stroke is life threatening.

A stroke is not a heart attack. It happen when there is an interruption to the brain bloods supply. It can be fatal or lead to a disability.
Other signs of a stroke include dizziness, loss of vision, blurring, severe headache with abrupt onset and difficulty swallowing.
It is important for all adults over the age of 50 to have regular medical checkups. Prevention is the best form of treatment. The presence of stroke is a key risk factor for chronic kidney disease. After a stroke have regular kidney check ups.