Overview
A stroke occurs when part of the brain does not get enough blood and oxygen, or when bleeding happens in or around the brain. Brain cells can be damaged within minutes. Quick recognition and emergency care can improve the chance of survival and reduce long-term disability.
Key Symptoms
Stroke symptoms usually begin suddenly. Watch for face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, sudden confusion, trouble seeing, severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance, or numbness on one side of the body. A simple memory aid is FAST: Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call emergency services.
Causes and Risk Factors
Strokes are commonly caused either by a blocked blood vessel in the brain or by bleeding from a ruptured vessel. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, older age, obesity, and low physical activity. A previous stroke or transient ischemic attack can also raise risk.
Who Is Affected
Stroke can affect adults of any age, although risk rises with age. It can also happen in younger adults and, less commonly, in children. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other blood vessel conditions may have higher risk.
Prevention
Prevention focuses on controlling health conditions and reducing risk factors. Managing blood pressure, avoiding tobacco, being physically active, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular medical care can help lower risk. If you have conditions such as diabetes or an irregular heartbeat, follow up closely with a healthcare professional.
Diagnosis and Tests
In emergency care, clinicians quickly assess symptoms, time of onset, and vital signs. Brain imaging such as CT or MRI is used to tell whether the stroke is caused by a blockage or bleeding. Blood tests and heart tests may also be used to help guide urgent treatment.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the type of stroke and how quickly the person reaches medical care. Emergency teams may use medicines or procedures to restore blood flow in some strokes, while bleeding strokes need different urgent management. After the emergency, rehabilitation may include physical, speech, and occupational therapy.
Living With It
Recovery after stroke can vary widely. Some people have lasting problems with movement, speech, memory, swallowing, mood, or daily activities. Ongoing rehabilitation, follow-up care, and support from family or caregivers can be important parts of recovery.
When It May Be an Emergency
A possible stroke is always an emergency. Call emergency services immediately if someone has sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble, confusion, severe headache, trouble walking, vision changes, or collapse. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away, and do not give food, drink, or medicines unless emergency professionals instruct you to.