Stroke
A stroke is caused by the sudden loss of blood flow to the brain or bleeding inside the head. Each of these can cause brain cells to stop functioning or completely die. Bodily functions are impaired or lost when a stroke occurs and can cause paralysis, speech problems, numbness, memory problems and possibly death. Stroke is the number on cause of disability in adults, and can occur at any age. Risk increases sharply as you age.
- Common symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the limbs, especially on one side
- Sudden confusion or speech problems
- Sudden trouble with vision
- Sudden dizziness or trouble walking
- Sudden severe headache