A stroke (brain attack) is caused by the abrupt loss of blood supply to a part of the brain (ischemia). Usually caused by a blockage of an artery in your brain, these are the strokes that occur over 80% of the time.  In some cases, stroke is caused by bleeding into brain tissue (hemorrhage).

Stroke also can mean a dramatic change in a person's ability to live a normal life: it can lead to paralysis, loss of speech, memory, vision, diminished reasoning - and sometimes even death.

Stroke affects 730,000 Americans each year -- including 150,000 deaths -- and is the leading cause of adult disability. Families are affected, too. Some have to reduce or quit working to care for a stroke survivor.

When a stroke takes place, there is a brief window of opportunity in which to save injured brain. To minimize disability, it is critical that stroke victims are evaluated and treated quickly.

Important things for you to remember

• Reduce your risk of a first or subsequent stroke
• Recognize a stroke when it happens.
• Call 911 immediately if you think you or someone is having a stroke.