1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Physical Therapy

Stroke

by Laura Inverarity, D.O.
for About.com

Updated October 03, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: A stroke is an event that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is altered in some way. This results in injury and even death of the neurons that make up our brain cells and pathways. A stroke is also known medically as a cva, or cerebrovascular accident.

There are two types of stroke; ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are the result of a blocked blood vessel which impairs blood flow to the brain. The blockage can be the result of a blood clot or fatty deposit. Hemorrhagic strokes are due to bleeding in the brain from a ruptured blood vessel.

Damage to the brain from a stroke can result in motor, speech, memory, vision, and sensory disturbances.

Also Known As: CVA

Cerebrovascular Accident

Explore Physical Therapy
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Physical Therapy
  4. Glossary & Definitions
  5. Stroke>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.