Osmosis video - Nervous system: Seizures and strokes

Both stroke and seizures are medical conditions that can affect the nervous system. A stroke occurs when a part of the brain loses its blood supply. There are two main types of stroke: an ischemic stroke, which occurs when there's a blockage of an artery, typically from a thrombus or embolus; and a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures and leaks blood into the brain.

A stroke may result in permanent disability, like hemiplegia or aphasia. Acute care focuses on the early reestablishment of blood flow and supportive measures, while long-term care may include speech, physical, and occupational therapy.

On the other hand, seizures are sudden, abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that can cause changes in movement, behavior, and consciousness. These can be focal seizures, meaning that they affect one small area in one brain hemisphere, or generalized seizures, which affect both hemispheres and include tonic-clonic and absence seizures.