During January, strokes are being defined and discussed. There exist three main types which have different causes and affect the nervous system uniquely. The first type, the most common, is the ischemic attack, which is caused by an artery blockage, particularly the common carotid artery (located in the neck.) Even more serious is the second type, the intracerebral hemorrhage, which is the rupture of an artery within the brain. This can cause brain compression. The third type, no less serious, is the subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is the rupture of an artery that leads to hemorrhaging around the brain. In depth descriptions of these types of strokes will be presented in the upcoming series "Types of Strokes."