A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or burst blood vessel. There are two main types of stroke - ischemic, caused by a clot blocking an artery, and hemorrhagic, caused by a ruptured blood vessel. Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and family history. Symptoms depend on the affected brain region but may include weakness, vision issues, and speech problems. Treatment focuses on rapidly restoring blood flow through clot-busting drugs or surgery, along with long-term rehabilitation and preventative measures.