The stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is severely reduced or interrupted, which leads to depriving the brain tissue of oxygen. Thus, within a few minutes, the brain cells begin to die. The stroke is a medical emergency that requires emergency treatment. By acting quickly, the percentage of brain injuries is minimized, as well as possible complications.

The stroke can be prevented by controlling the main risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. Medication can also help reduce the likelihood of a stroke.

The brain or the encephalon, consists of three main parts: the anterior, the central and the posterior, comprising:

1. The cerebral hemispheres-represent the largest part of the central nervous system, as well as the most advanced part of the brain in terms of development. They control several of the higher functions, such as: speech, emotion, higher intellectual functions, integration of sensory stimuli, fine motor control and pathways of movement. The left cerebral hemisphere controls the right side of the body, while the right cerebral hemisphere controls the left side of the body. The cerebral hemispheres are formed of 4 lobes, namely: frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital.

2. The cerebellum - the second largest region, deals with balance, coordination and movement control.

3. The brain stem - this is where 10 of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves originate. It controls a number of different functions such as heart rate, breathing, wakefulness, blood pressure, attention and arousal. The pituitary gland or the pineal gland, is connected to the brain and secretes hormones that are important for: daily energy, body weight, growth, fertility and hydro-electrolyte balance

1. In the event of an ischemic stroke, which occurs when the blood circulation from the artery that supplies oxygen to the brain is blocked, medication is administered to remove blood clots. Blood clots frequently cause blockages that cause ischemic strokes.

2. The removal of clots can also be done with the help of a catheter through which a small device is maneuvered in the brain, in order to catch the blood clot and remove it from the affected area.

3. Carotid endarterectomy, an intervention that "cleans" the inside of the wall of the carotid artery, the atheroma plaque (accumulation of lipids, cholesterol). An important atheroma plaque (thick, which narrows the arterial lumen by over 75%) located at the level of the carotid artery, causes an increased risk of an ischemic stroke.

4. Coronary angioplasty, the minimally invasive procedure by which the arteries of the heart are enlarged, narrowed or blocked by calcium deposits, cholesterol and atheroma plaques. A small puncture will be made at the level of the femoral artery and a small, sterile plastic tube will be mounted. This will guide a catheter (a very thin probe provided at the top with a balloon and/or stent) up to the level of the coronary arteries. Contrast substance will be injected to observe the blood circulation. In places where narrowing of the arteries is observed, it is intervened, either by dilating the artery with a balloon, or by mounting a stent.

 Keep your blood pressure at an optimal level. Managing stress, exercise, salt and alcohol consumption, helps keep blood pressure under control. ✓ Smoking increases the risk of stroke, so quitting smoking can help minimize the risk. ✓ A diet low in fats and cholesterol helps reduce the amount of atheroma plaque on the arteries. ✓ Excess weight can contribute to a number of health problems, so it is good to keep your weight under control. ✓ Manage the risk of diabetes through exercise, diet and weight control. ✓ Exercise! Regular exercise helps prevent risk factors that favor stroke.