Apoplexy is uncontrolled bleeding into the brain due to a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), resulting in sudden loss of consciousness and paralysis of various parts of the body. Also known as a stroke, apoplexy happens when an artery or blood vessel in the brain is blocked or broken, severely reducing blood supply that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells will begin to die within a few minutes. A delicate balance in the amount of blood supply to the brain is essential to avoid a stroke.

Causes. Apoplexy can occur if there is too much blood within the brain. This is called a hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks due to the onset of other diseases, such as high blood pressure and aneurysm. Intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages are two examples of this type of stroke.

Apoplexy can also happen if there is too little blood within the brain. This is an ischemic stroke and results in the death of irreplaceable brain cells. Eighty percent of cases fall within this group. The two most common kinds of ischemic strokes are thrombotic and embolic strokes.

Symptoms
Headache: An unusually painful headache, followed by a stiff neck and pain in the face and between the eyes
Vision: Decreased ability to see, resulting in blurred or double vision
Aphasia: Difficulty in speaking or in understanding speech
Paralysis: Numbness, weakness or immobility on one side of the body
Motor control: Loss of coordination and balance
Nausea: Dizziness followed by vomiting

Apoplexy is the leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in many countries. This condition is, therefore, considered a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment to prevent or minimize serious damages. Depending on the kind of stroke and the part of brain that is involved, this condition can cause irreversible brain damage and its subsequent disabilities. Serious attacks can lead to permanent paralysis on one side of the body or affect abilities such as speech, movement and memory. While some patients recover completely, two-thirds of stroke survivors suffer from some form of disability.