Which statement best defines stroke?

Which statement best defines stroke?

• A. Stroke is caused by an infection of the meninges.
• B. Stroke is a disruption of blood flow to the brain that may cause brain tissue damage.
• C. Stroke is a blockage of a coronary artery.
• D. Stroke is a dilation of the aorta.

Answer: (B)

Stroke is a disruption of blood flow to the brain that may cause brain tissue damage. When a brain blood vessel is blocked or bursts, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients and can start to die within minutes, leading to sudden neurological changes such as weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking or understanding speech, facial droop, vision problems, dizziness, or severe headache. It’s a true medical emergency requiring prompt evaluation and treatment to minimize damage. The other statements describe different conditions: an infection of the coverings of the brain (meningitis), a blockage of a heart artery (heart attack), and a dilation of the aorta (aortic aneurysm). These are not strokes.

Stroke is a disruption of blood flow to the brain that may cause brain tissue damage. When a brain blood vessel is blocked or bursts, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients and can start to die within minutes, leading to sudden neurological changes such as weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking or understanding speech, facial droop, vision problems, dizziness, or severe headache. It’s a true medical emergency requiring prompt evaluation and treatment to minimize damage.

The other statements describe different conditions: an infection of the coverings of the brain (meningitis), a blockage of a heart artery (heart attack), and a dilation of the aorta (aortic aneurysm). These are not strokes.