India, Oct. 24 -- A stroke can strike suddenly, changing a person's life within minutes. Someone may struggle to speak, experience weakness in an arm or leg, or lose their balance. However, not all strokes occur in the same way. A stroke generally occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Depending on the cause, strokes are broadly classified into two types: ischaemic stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow, and haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in or around the brain. Although both are medical emergencies, their treatment can be very different. An ischaemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel supplying the brain. Without an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to get damaged. The blockage may develop when a clot forms in a blood vessel supplying the brain or travels from another part of the body. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and certain heart conditions can increase the risk. The treatment depends on how quickly the patient reaches the hospital, the location of the blockage, and other medical factors. In eligible patients, doctors may use clot-dissolving medicines or perform a specialised procedure called mechanical thrombectomy to remove the clot. A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues or spaces which damage delicate brain cells. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is an important risk factor. Other causes are weakened blood vessels, certain aneurysms, and abnormalities in blood vessels. Symptoms may resemble those of an ischaemic stroke caused by a clot, but some people also experience severe headache, vomiting or reduced consciousness. The treatment may involve carefully controlling blood pressure, managing pressure inside the skull, reversing the effects of certain blood-thinning medicines or performing surgery when necessary. Clot-dissolving medicines can worsen bleeding, making urgent medical assessment and brain imaging essential before treatment begins. Sudden loss of vision, difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance and/or a severe headache can also signal a medical emergency. If you suspect a stroke, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to improve, give food or drink, or start aspirin or other medication on your own. While not every stroke can be prevented, managing blood pressure, controlling diabetes and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and addressing heart conditions can help reduce the risk. This public awareness message is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. In a suspected stroke, seek emergency medical care immediately....