What is a stroke?

A stroke means that part of the brain is suddenly damaged. If an artery in the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot (known as thrombus) it causes a stroke. If an artery in the brain leaks then too it damages the brain and causes a stroke. Atheroma is also known as 'atherosclerosis' or 'hardening of the arteries'. Patches of atheroma are also called 'plaques' of atheroma. Patches of atheroma are like small fatty lumps that develop within the inside lining of arteries (blood vessels).The blood clot usually forms over some atheroma. A temporary lack of blood supply to a part of the brain is known as TIA or transient ischemic attack.