A stroke is a sudden suspension of the blood supply to the brain. Most strokes are caused by a sudden blockage of an artery leading to the brain (ischemic stroke), while some strokes are caused by a sudden rupture of a blood vessel causing bleeding in the brain tissue (hemorrhagic stroke). Stroke is also known as a “brain attack” because of its rapid onset and the need for immediate treatment. When stroke symptoms last for a short period of time (<24 hours), it is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke attack. Strokes can have many effects. The effects of a stroke depend on the part of the brain that is damaged and the severity of the damage. A stroke can make a person suddenly weak, unconscious, or unable to speak, see, or walk. Because different parts of the brain control different parts of the body and functions, it is often the area around the stroke that is immediately affected. Sometimes a stroke victim can have a headache, but he or she can also feel no pain at all. It is therefore very important to recognize the signs of a stroke and to be able to give immediate clinical management when it occurs. Blood travels to the brain through a complex network of arteries and veins. A stroke occurs when one of the arteries becomes blocked or ruptures. Symptoms of stroke include: 1. Sudden numbness, weakness, paralysis of the face, upper or lower extremities, especially if the symptoms appear on one side of the body. 2.Suddenly blurred consciousness, unable to speak or unable to understand speech. 3.Sudden appearance of visual impairment on one or both sides. 4.Sudden difficulty in walking, loss of balance or coordination. 5.Sudden onset of severe headache of unknown origin.