Since 1989, the United States (US) Congress designates the month of May as American Stroke Month. Throughout the month, communities and organizations strive to increase awareness and education of the types, prevention methods, warning signs, effects or risks, and treatments of strokes. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) work diligently to bring attention to this preventable medical condition that affects millions of Americans annually. 

 

A stroke occurs when blood is unable to flow properly within the brain. When this occurs, brain cells are unable to receive oxygen and begin to die. There are three types of strokes. The most common form is ischemic strokes, accounting for 87% of all stroke cases. This type of stroke occurs due to an obstruction, like a clot, within a blood vessel in the brain. A transient ischemic attack, also known as a "mini" or "warning" stroke, is caused by a temporary obstruction within a blood vessel. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures.     Read the full article.