When part of the brain does not receive enough oxygen the nerve cells that affect the function of the brain stop working. This means that the part of the brain that controls the functions of our bodies cannot work or cannot function as effectively as they did before the stroke took place. Unfortunately, in some circumstances, where a severe stroke has taken place the body may never be able to heal itself and fully function again although part functioning may return.

As you can imagine suffering from a stroke can be frightening in its effect and consequences not only for the person suffering from this disease but also for their loved ones.

There are two categories of strokes which I will briefly explain below:

Ischemic stroke - Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage of the blood vessels. This is the most well known form of stroke experienced by sufferers. Usually a stroke of this type is the result of a blood clot forming in one of the arteries that transmit blood to the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke - This is a serious form of stroke which is caused by bleeding in the cavity between the skull and the brain. This type of stroke may lead to death.

You have probably also heard of a cerebral hemorrhage. It seems that a cerebral hemorrhage is often a popular disease in television shows and books. A cerebral hemorrhage occurs when an artery in the brain breaks and this fills the surrounding tissue with blood which like a hemorrhagic stroke can result in death.

Bear in mind that if a blood vessel in the brain bursts, pressure from the blood will compress part of the brain. For a survivor the pressure will eventually decrease. The brain may then be able to resume some of its pre-stroke functions again.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a heart condition, or you have a family history of heart complaints, you should consult your doctor on a regular basis. If medical treatment is sought early the sufferer has a far greater chance of recovery and maintaining their health.