Includes bibliographical references (p. 217) and index

Introduction: Why is stroke so important? -- What is a stroke? What are the causes? What are the different kinds of stroke? -- What are the medical conditions that cause the blood vessel and heart damage that lead to stroke? -- How can strokes be prevented? What are the risk factors for stroke and how can they be reduced? -- What is the appearance of the brain and how does it work? -- What are the arteries and veins that supply the brain? -- What are the different symptoms of stroke? What abnormalities do doctors look for and find in stroke patients? -- How can doctors tell what caused a stroke? What tests are used to evaluate individuals who may have had a stroke? -- What treatments are available? -- What are the complications of stroke? -- What are some of the dysfunctions, disabilities, and handicaps that remain after a stroke? -- How does recovery from stroke occur? How can recovery be improved? What is rehabilitation? Where is it performed and by whom? -- How does one person's stroke affect others? -- What does the future hold? What research is being pursued?