The leading cause of serious long-term disability and fifth leading cause of death, stroke affects approximately 795,000 people each year in the United States. Sometimes referred to as a “heart attack of the brain,” strokes are caused when a blood vessel bursts or is blocked. This leads to a lack of blood supply and deprivation of oxygen, rapidly killing brain cells. Although strokes are serious, 80 percent are preventable. Early detection and treatment are key to recovery. A common misconception about ...