Stroke–or brain attack as it is often called–is similar to a heart attack. It happens when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot, cholesterol plaque or some other particle. The rupture or blockage stops that part of the brain from receiving the oxygen it needs. When life-giving oxygen is cut off, the nerve cells in that area can no longer function and die within minutes. The part of the body that these cells control also cannot function, leading to death or disability.