A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences. Also known as a cerebral vascular accident or CVA, this condition can be caused by blood clots or ruptured blood vessels that interrupt the normal flow of blood to the brain. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot blocks an artery or blood vessel in the brain, while hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain.