A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, which leads to rapid cell death. Strokes are generally classified as ischemic, caused by a blood clot or arterial blockage, or hemorrhagic, caused by a ruptured blood vessel bleeding into the brain. Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision changes, severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance, or confusion. The severity and lasting effects depend on the location and extent of brain injury. Because brain tissue is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation, immediate medical attention is critical to minimize long-term disability and improve recovery outcomes.