WHAT IS A STROKE?
Stroke is interruption of blood supply to brain cells and it is a medical emergency. Treatment for stroke is available, but only if it is recognized in time and specially trained medical professional intervene immediately. A stroke occurs when brain cells fail to get oxygen, due to blockage or rupture of an artery. There are many causes of stroke, and many useful preventative measures. The UCI Stroke Center is involved in all aspects of stroke care.
Every 45 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. Every 3 minutes, someone dies of one. In 2004 the estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke is $53.6 billion.
Strokes killed an estimated 163,538 people in the U.S. in 2001 and are the nation's third leading cause of death, ranking behind diseases of the heart and all forms of cancer. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States and many other countries.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. This can be caused by a blockage (“ischemic” stroke), which accounts for about 85% of strokes, or by a burst blood vessel (“hemorrhagic”), which accounts for about 15% of strokes.
WHAT IS A TIA?
Transient ischemic attacks, also called TIAs, can indicate either a stroke-warning spell or a small stroke. When a TIA occurs, signs and symptoms of a stroke are present, and the typical stroke warning signs develop.
Despite the fact that TIA symptoms disappear, these events are of great significance, as a TIA is a very strong predictor that a serious permanent stroke is more likely. A TIA, despite the brief nature of symptoms, nevertheless requires prompt medical attention.