A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage in a blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or by bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they can become damaged, leading to a wide range of physical, cognitive, and communication challenges. The effects of a stroke vary depending on the area of the brain affected, but may include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty walking, impaired balance and coordination, muscle stiffness (spasticity), reduced sensation, fatigue, and challenges with speech, vision, memory, or problem-solving. While recovery is different for every individual, many people continue to make meaningful improvements months and even years after a stroke.