A stroke involves loss of brain functions caused by a loss of
blood circulation to areas of the brain. The blockage usually
occurs when a clot or piece of atherosclerotic plaque breaks
away from another area of the body and lodges within the
vasculature of the brain. Last reviewed 5/21/2012 by Luc Jasmin,
MD, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center, Los Angeles, and Department of Anatomy at UCSF, San
Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc. - The information provided
herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for
the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. - A
licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis
and treatment of any and all medical conditions. - Call 911 for
all medical emergencies. - Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. Any duplication or dist