Origins:* Stroke occurs when there’s a disruption of blood flow to the brain, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Causes include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Management: Immediate medical attention is crucial. Treatment depends on the type of stroke. Ischemic strokes may be treated with clot-busting drugs or procedures to remove the clot. Hemorrhagic strokes may require surgery to repair damaged blood vessels or control bleeding.

Prevention: Managing risk factors like maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and controlling conditions like hypertension and diabetes can help prevent strokes. Additionally, medications like blood thinners or cholesterol-lowering drugs may be prescribed to those at high risk.