Stroke affects about 15 million people worldwide each year, of whom 5 million die and 5 million are left permanently disabled, placing a burden on families and society, according to the World Health Organization .
World Stroke Day is celebrated on October 29th every year to emphasize the seriousness of stroke and the importance of prevention and treatment.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes.