The type of damage depends on where in the brain the stroke occurs.

For most, the stroke occurs within a year of the first attack.

On average, the stroke had occurred nearly five years before enrollment in the study.

However, stroke can occur at any age, including in childhood.

A stroke usually happens suddenly but may occur over hours.

When a stroke occurs, rapid recognition and treatment can make a huge difference.

A stroke can occur during surgery or after the procedure.

It is the same pattern as the previous figure, but the strokes occur at half the rate.

When a stroke occurs, a person might immediately go limp on one side.

First, though, read the next page to learn about what's going on in the brain when a stroke occurs.