A ‘brain attack’, or a stroke occurs when blood supply to brain cells is disrupted, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients which leads to their rapid disintegration. As brain cells begin to die, functions performed by the affected area such as muscle control, movement of arms, legs, etc. are lost. Look for signs such as trouble in speaking and understanding, paralysis and numbness, blurred or blackened vision, headache, dizziness, vomiting, altered consciousness and seek

A stroke can be caused either by a blocked artery, as in the case of ischemic stroke, or due to the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel during a hemorrhagic stroke. Certain lifestyle and medical risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, consumption of alcohol, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, etc. increase the chances of causing a stroke. People who are 55 and older are at a higher risk and so are those who have a personal or family history of stroke.