Stroke is the most common neurologic emergency, and it is a leading cause of disability.

When the brain's blood supply is inadequate, a stroke results. Stroke symptoms (for example, loss of arm or leg function or slurred speech) signify a medical emergency because without treatment, blood-deprived brain cells quickly become damaged or die, resulting in brain injury, serious disability, or death.

Common causes of stroke come from blood vessels both outside and inside the brain. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can occur when plaque (deposits of cholesterol, calcium, fat, and other substances) builds up and narrows the vessel, making it easy for clots to form and further occlude the vessel. The clots can break free only to travel to and block smaller vessels inside the brain. The blood vessels inside the brain itself can accumulate this plaque. Occasionally, weakened vessels can burst and bleed into the brain.

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