1. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, cutting off blood flow and causing brain cells to die.
2. There are two main types of stroke - ischemic caused by a clot and hemorrhagic caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
3. FAST is a mnemonic used to recognize the most common stroke symptoms - facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and time to call emergency services.