Stroke is an abrupt interruption of constant blood flow to the brain that causes loss of neurological function. The interruption of blood flow can be caused by a blockage, leading to the more common ischemic stroke, or by bleeding in the brain, leading to the more deadly hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke constitutes an estimated 87 percent of all stroke cases. Stroke often occurs with little or no warning, and the results can be devastating.

It is crucial that proper blood flow and oxygen be restored to the brain as soon as possible. Without oxygen and important nutrients, the affected brain cells are either damaged or die within a few minutes. Once brain cells die, they generally do not regenerate and devastating damage may occur, sometimes resulting in physical, cognitive and mental disabilities. Stroke symptoms occur because of a problem with the blood supply to the brain (or, rarely, the spinal cord). There are two main kinds of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blockage in a blood vessel keeps blood from flowing to part of the brain.  Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts or leaks and prevents blood from flowing to the brain. 

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary interruption in blood flow to the brain. The symptoms of TIA are identical to those of stroke, but by definition, the symptoms resolve in less than 24 hours without permanent neurological problems. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of TIA can only be made in hindsight. The devastating disorder Stroke will have a multidisciplinary and holistic approach in Neuro Forum 2023.