Brain is one of the delicate organs of the body. At only 2% of the body total weight, the brain contains more than 10 billion nerve cells which are in constant communication to produce our thought, movement and feeling. Dependent on oxygen and glucose for energy, the brain receives a steady supply via an intricate system of arteries.

Causes of stroke:
When any part of the brain is deprived of oxygen for a few seconds, delicate neuron functions are impaired. Then if this persist for longer than few minutes, the brain damage result as brain cells begin to die along with functions they control. This condition is called "Ischemia" a lack of oxygen mainly, artery blockage. Further damage is inflicted on the brain tissue as oxygen starvation triggers a deadly cascade of chemical reactions then the result is stroke.

In addition, a stroke also occurs when blood vessel rupture, flooding in the brain with blood, which cut off connection pathways, this disrupts chemical and electrical flows to the muscles and causes injury to the brain tissue.

Effects of stroke: Although no one suffer from every possible consequences of a stroke, the effects may range from mild and barely observable to severe and painfully obvious. The area of the brain in which the stroke occurs determines which bodily functions are affected. A common affliction is weakness or paralysis of the upper and lower limbs. Generally, this is limited to one side of the body, the side that is opposite the side of the brain where the stroke occurs. Thus brain damage results in left side paralysis.

Symptoms of stroke:
i] Intense headache
ii] Sudden nausea and fever-different from viral illness.
iii] Sudden blurred or dimmed vision especially one eye, an episode of double vision.
iv] Difficulty speaking or understanding simple sentences even under emergency.
v] Brief loss of consciousness or a period of decrease awareness (fainting, confusion, and convulsion)

Prevention of stroke:
i] Intake of diet rich in potassium and low salt, saturated fat and cholesterol.

ii] A regular exercise program which may help shed excess pounds, which in turn may reduce blood pressure.

iii] Diabetes account for a large number of stroke occurrences, so controlling it helps prevent stroke.

iv] Heart disease can increase the risk of stroke. A trial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) which can cause blood clot and prevent its travel to the brain.

v] Control of high blood pressure.

Finally, as outlined in the last paragraph of this article the best way not to experience or be a victim of stroke to prevent it.