Stroke, or a cerebrovascular accident, is usually a blockage of blood flow into the brain (ischemic stroke). It is a brain attack, much like a heart attack. It can also be caused by bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) such as from a ruptured artery (brain aneurysm). Stroke and TIA symptoms—such as numbness, confusion and weakness—can appear suddenly. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, is often a warning that a more serious stroke is coming. Strokes and TIAs are medical emergencies and must be treated quickly.