A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain stops due to certain complications. Brain cells require a constant delivery of oxygen and glucose from the blood stream to function. When this is disrupted, the brain cells of that part die causing permanent damage to the brain. The blockage of an artery in the brain by a clot is the most common cause of stroke. A leak in the artery in the brain can also lead to a stroke. Basically, there are two types of stroke, Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

Ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. This may be caused by clogged arteries due to fat, cholesterol and other substances that collect on the artery walls forming a sticky substance called plaque.

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in any part of the brain becomes weak and bursts open causing blood leak in the brain.