Stroke

A stroke, also sometimes called a "brain attack," happens when there is a problem with the blood flow in your brain. Your brain needs blood to work properly, and if something happens that stops or slows down this flow, it can cause damage to your brain cells.

Blood flow can be disrupted by a clot, which is like a big traffic jam in the blood vessels that bring blood to your brain. Or, it can happen because a blood vessel in your brain suddenly bursts, like a water balloon popping.

When a stroke happens, it can affect the way your body works. For example, you may have trouble moving one side of your body, or you may have trouble talking or understanding what others are saying. Sometimes, people don't even notice that they are having a stroke at first because the symptoms can seem mild or may come and go.

It's important to get help right away if you think you or someone else is having a stroke. Doctors can give medicine or do treatments to help fix the problem with blood flow to the brain and limit the damage to the brain cells. Over time, many people who have had a stroke can get better with therapy and other treatments to help them regain their abilities.