Etiology of Stroke

Stroke is a medical condition in which the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. This can be caused by a lack of blood supply due to a blocked or ruptured artery, or by a blood clot that moves from elsewhere in the body and lodges in an artery in the brain. The main consequence of stroke is the disruption of neurological functions in the area supplied by the affected artery, leading to impaired movement and/or speech, depending on the affected brain area. The etiology (study of the cause) of stroke is important in understanding the risk factors of the condition and in developing strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Age, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking are all factors that can increase an individual's risk for stroke and should be monitored closely.