Causes of stroke

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Brain cells begin to die within minutes, which is why stroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect a stroke in yourself or anyone else, call 112 immediately. Do not wait, do not try home remedies, and do not drive to the hospital yourself.

Main causes

• Blocked artery (ischemic stroke, about 85% of cases): a blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain. Clots can form in the brain's own vessels (thrombosis) or travel from the heart or neck arteries (embolism).
• Burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke): a weakened vessel ruptures, often from long-standing high blood pressure or an aneurysm.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke): a temporary blockage with symptoms that clear within minutes to hours. A TIA is a serious warning sign: about 1 in 10 people who have a TIA have a full stroke within 90 days. Seek emergency care even if symptoms disappear.

Risk factors that cause or accelerate stroke

• High blood pressure - the single biggest cause
• Diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity
• Smoking and tobacco in any form
• Heart rhythm problems, especially atrial fibrillation
• Excess alcohol, physical inactivity, and a high-salt, high-fat diet
• Age, family history, and previous stroke or TIA

What you can do

Most risk factors are controllable. Regular blood pressure checks, blood sugar and cholesterol control, quitting tobacco, daily activity, and a balanced diet sharply lower stroke risk.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive): Classical texts describe pakshaghata, a condition resembling stroke, as a severe vata disorder aggravated by poor diet, suppressed urges, and lifestyle errors. This is an interpretive framework with limited modern evidence; it never replaces emergency medical care.

Remember: A stroke is caused by a blocked or burst brain vessel, and every minute of lost blood flow destroys brain cells. Know your blood pressure, manage your risk factors, and call 112 at the first sign of stroke.