| Without warning, strokes can disrupt blood flow to | | | | artery leading to the brain. This is the most |
| your brain, causing extensive damage that may | | | | common type of stroke, causing about 80% of all |
| be permanent. Sadly, this silent killer claims 4.4 | | | | strokes. |
| million Americans each year, but the ones who | | | | Next, there are two types of stroke that result |
| live through a stroke can be left with long-lasting | | | | from rupture. An intracerebral hemorrhage occurs |
| brain damage. There are three main types of | | | | when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts. Not |
| stroke, all of which can disrupt your brain's blood | | | | only does this interrupt the blood flow to an area |
| supply. | | | | of the brain, but the pressure caused by the |
| Blood carries life-giving oxygen and nutrients to | | | | excess blood can also injure your brain tissue. On |
| the cells throughout your body, including those in | | | | the other hand, a subarachnoid hemorrhage |
| your brain. Because of the delicate nature of the | | | | happens when an artery leading to the brain |
| neurons in the brain, it is especially susceptible to | | | | suffers from a rupture. This can fill the extra |
| damage should the blood supply get cut off. In | | | | space surrounding the brain with excess blood. |
| fact, doctors estimate that brain damage from a | | | | Both forms of stroke can leave you with disabling |
| stroke occurs in only 4-5 minutes. | | | | problems such as paralysis, difficulty speaking, and |
| There are two main ways in which the blood | | | | problems processing sensory information, among |
| supply to the brain can be interrupted: blockage or | | | | other things. If you have suffered from a stroke |
| rupture. When oxygen to the brain is blocked, it is | | | | and are now unable to work, you may be eligible |
| called an ischemic stroke. Ischemic strokes happen | | | | for disability payments to help you with your living |
| when something blocks or clots the blood in an | | | | expenses and medical bills. |