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A stroke or more often called brain attack occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. It is when brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function.

There are two major kinds of stroke.

One called an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel or artery in the brain. Almost 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic. The other one is known as a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a blood vessel in the brain that breaks and bleeds into the brain

Although stroke is a disease of the brain it will affect the entire body. The effects of a stroke range from mild to severe and can include paralysis, problems with thinking, problems with speaking, and emotional problems. Patients may also experience pain or numbness after a stroke.

The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:

• numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg
• confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• severe headache with no known cause

There are several factors that increase your chances of having a stroke:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol

Quit smoking can control your high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, getting them under control. It will reduce your chances of having a stroke.