Strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked.  This usually occurs because a plaque from a fatty deposit in a larger blood vessel breaks off and gets stuck in a smaller one.  Symptoms of a stroke are diverse, ranging from fainting to muscle weakness to funny feelings in a particular part of your body.

Risk factors for stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) include high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol or other blood lipids.  It's important to see your doctor regularly if you have either of these conditions, because he or she may prescribe treatments to modify these risks.  Alcohol intake and smoking have also been linked to risk for stroke, even though some studies have shown that small amounts of alcohol have been linked to decreased   risk for stroke.

Links for more information:

The National Stroke Association has resources for professionals and consumers about stroke.

The Family Caregiver Alliance site has a fact sheet with more information about the causes and symptoms of stroke.

Communications problems are one of the worst results of a stroke.  Language and communication problems are sometimes called aphasia.    The National Aphasia Association has information about this issue.