Overview
Stroke is a condition in which part of the brain does not get the blood and oxygen it needs. This can happen because a blood vessel is blocked, called an ischemic stroke, or because a blood vessel breaks, called a hemorrhagic stroke. A transient ischemic attack, sometimes called a mini-stroke, causes stroke-like symptoms for a short time and is also an urgent warning sign.
Key Symptoms
Symptoms often begin suddenly. Common signs include weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden confusion, trouble seeing, dizziness, loss of balance, or a sudden severe headache. Many health organizations use the FAST warning signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.
Causes and Risk Factors
Stroke can be caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow or by bleeding into or around the brain. Important risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, heart disease, obesity, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol use, and use of certain drugs. Risk also rises with older age, but stroke can happen at any age.
Who Is Affected
Stroke affects people worldwide and is a major cause of death and disability. It is more common in older adults, but younger adults and children can also have strokes. People with long-term health conditions that affect blood vessels or the heart may have a higher risk.
Prevention
Many strokes can be prevented by managing risk factors. Important steps include controlling blood pressure, avoiding tobacco, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, managing diabetes and cholesterol, limiting alcohol, and getting medical care for heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation. Regular health checkups can help find risks early.
Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare professionals diagnose stroke based on symptoms, physical examination, brain imaging, and other urgent tests. Brain scans such as CT or MRI help show whether the stroke is caused by a blockage or bleeding. Blood tests, heart rhythm testing, and imaging of blood vessels may also be used to look for the cause.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the type of stroke and how quickly care begins. Emergency treatment may aim to restore blood flow in ischemic stroke or control bleeding and pressure in hemorrhagic stroke. After the emergency phase, care may include rehabilitation such as physical, speech, and occupational therapy to help regain function.
Living With It
Recovery after stroke can be different for each person. Some people have lasting problems with movement, speech, memory, swallowing, mood, or daily activities. Follow-up care, rehabilitation, emotional support, and help from family or caregivers can be important parts of recovery.
When It May Be an Emergency
A stroke is always an emergency. Seek emergency medical help right away if you or someone else has sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble, sudden confusion, sudden vision changes, trouble walking, severe dizziness, or a sudden severe headache. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve, even if they go away quickly.