In stroke, there is damage to the brain tissue either due to cerebral infarction or hamorrhage. World Stroke Day is October 29. It is observed to bring global attention to urgent need of taking action for preventing it. It usually occurs after 50 years and affects male 1.5 times more than female. One of four of us is at risk of stroke but most can be prevented. Like heart attack it can be called brain attack i.e. Crebrovascular accident.

In ancient time stroke was called Apoplexy, a general term applied to any one stuck down suddenly with paralysis. More than 2400 years ago, the father of medicine Hippocrates recognizes this condition as sudden onset of paralysis.

Pair of Internal Carotid and Vertebral arteries supply blood to brain. When this supply of part of the brain is suddenly interrupted (Ischaemic) or when a blood vessel burst spilling blood into spaces surrounding brain cells (haemorrhagic) stroke occurs. The symptoms of stroke are sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of body, sudden confusion, trouble in speaking (speech) or understanding, seeing by one or both eyes, walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination with visual aura, atrial fibrillation, depression, hypertension etc. the symptoms may not be as dramatic or painful as a heart attack. The risk factors include advancing age, family history, Black race, tobacco, overweight, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, excess blood homocysteine, elevated CRP with inflammation, atherosclerosis, arteriolar sclerosis, embolism, arteritis etc.

Immediate medical care and rehabilitation helps regain functions though dead nerves cells never recover. Administration clot blusters (TPA) can be used in ischemic stroke.