We are all familiar with the potentially devastating effects of suffering a stroke, but most of us don't have a clue as to stroke causes. All strokes are caused, essentially, by a lack, or excess of blood to the brain cells. The majority of strokes involve a lack of adequate supply of blood to your brain. These are called ischemic strokes. The remaining 20% of strokes are of the hemorrhagic type, where a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds within the skull.

Here we present a synopsis of the two basic types and stroke causes. Preventing strokes is best accomplished by improving your cardiovascular health. Narrowed arteries, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle are a recipe for a stroke.
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The most common type of stroke is the ischemic stroke. Poor circulation and atherosclerosis results in a greatly reduced flow of blood to your brain. This is ischemia, the most common cause of strokes. When brain cells are deprived of proper  blood circulation, brain cells suffer almost immediate damage. This is why it's so important to seek immediate medical help if you've exhibited symptoms of stroke. Permanent damage may thus be averted.
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The transient ischemic attack (TIA) might be termed a 'mini-stroke'. This type of stroke is of short duration, lasting only a few minutes, and does not result in permanent brain damage. However, the TIA is a definite indicator of trouble brewing. Many people suffer this type of stroke, but do not seek medical attention, although this is a major predictor of subsequent, serious strokes. If you've experienced the symptoms of stroke (numbness in your limbs or face, confusion and difficulty coordinating muscles in walking), contact your doctor immediately and get to the hospital. Stroke causes such symptoms and your risk for a major stroke in the future increases by a multiple of ten.

Naturally, reducing the plaque in your arteries can ward off this type of stroke. Your doctor may prescribe a pharmaceutical to do the job. Follow your doctor's advice to combat this narrowing and clogging of the arteries.

The ischemic embolic stroke causes a blood clot to form, which breaks away and finds its way to your brain, where it stops, unable to flow through the smaller brain arteries. This type of stroke causes an irregular heartbeat, referred to as atrial fibrillation. This leads to sluggish blood flow and the subsequent formation of blood clots, making you ripe for a major stroke.

The second type of stroke, the hemorrhagic stroke causes the blood vessels in your brain to bleed. The reasons typically stem from high blood pressure and weak capillaries (aneurisms). Rare stroke causes include certain birth defects, involving fragile blood vessels. Age and genetic factors must also be considered. The hemorrhagic stroke causes sudden ruptures, often characterized by a severe and debilitating headache.

Stroke causes potentially debilitating problems. Take care of your heart!