Hello, I'm a medical professional with a background in neurology. Strokes are a medical emergency and can be life-threatening, but they typically do not cause instant death. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, while hemorrhagic strokes result from a blood vessel rupture. The severity and outcome of a stroke can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the affected area in the brain, the duration of the blockage or bleed, and the patient's overall health. While it is possible for a stroke to be fatal, it usually takes some time for the damage to become life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is crucial for the best possible outcome, as there are treatments available that can minimize the damage and improve the chances of recovery. read more >>

When you have an ischemic stroke, the oxygen-rich blood supply to part of your brain is reduced. With a hemorrhagic stroke, there is bleeding in the brain. After about 4 minutes without blood and oxygen, brain cells become damaged and may die. ... If blood supply isn't restored, permanent damage usually occurs.read more >>