Stroke 

 

Even though stroke is a disorder of the cardiovasculat system, it mainly affects the nervous system, and can occur when a blood vessel becomes blocked or bursts. The part of the brain beyond the affected vessel cannot receive oxygen and dies.

 

There are two main types of stroke; ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke.

 

An ischaemic stroke results from a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain, preventing oxygen reaching that area of the brain. This can result in death of this area of the brain.

 

A haemorrhagic stroke is caused by a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in bleeding and brain damage.

 

Depending on where in the brain this occurs, sufferers can experience loss of movement and speech difficulties. If the stroke occurs on the right side of the brain, it will affect the left side of the body.