COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

What is another term for a stroke?

1. Heart attack

2. Brain attack

3. Brain hemorrhage

4. Cardiac arrest

The correct answer is: Brain attack

A stroke is often referred to as a "brain attack" because it occurs when there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to cell death and loss of function in affected areas. This term highlights the similarities between a stroke and a heart attack, which involves the interruption of blood flow to the heart. In the context of strokes, they can be categorized primarily into two types: ischemic strokes, which are caused by blockages preventing blood from reaching the brain, and hemorrhagic strokes, which involve bleeding in the brain. The term "brain attack" serves to emphasize the urgency of seeking medical attention when stroke symptoms are present, similar to how one would respond to a heart attack. When considering the other options, they refer to different medical conditions that do not encompass the entire scope of what a stroke represents. For instance, a heart attack specifically pertains to heart tissue and blood flow to the heart; a brain hemorrhage is one specific type of stroke that involves bleeding; and cardiac arrest refers to the cessation of heart function. Therefore, "brain attack" accurately captures the nature of a stroke.