What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. Stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. (cdc.gov)

There are two major types of stroke:

• Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blockage or clot in a blood vessel supplying the brain.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding in or around the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel. (stroke.org)

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Stroke

Several medical conditions and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of stroke, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Heart disease or irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation)
• Excessive alcohol use
• Family history of stroke
• Increasing age

Many strokes are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and management of chronic medical conditions. (stroke.org)

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save a life. The American Stroke Association recommends using the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.:

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes or loss of vision
• F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile
• A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
• S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• T – Time: Time to call 911 immediately

Additional symptoms may include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Dizziness or trouble walking (cdc.gov)

Stroke Prevention Tips

You can reduce your risk of stroke by taking the following steps:

• Manage Blood Pressure
• Control Diabetes and Cholesterol
• Stop Smoking-Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases stroke risk.
• Stay Physically Active
• Eat a Healthy Diet
• Maintain a Healthy Weight
• Limit Alcohol Intake
• Take Medications as Prescribed

Maintain regular appointments with your healthcare provider to evaluate your stroke risk factors and create a plan to help reduce your risk. (stroke.org)

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences any signs or symptoms of stroke — even if symptoms improve or go away. Early treatment can reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes. (cdc.gov)

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” is also a medical emergency and should never be ignored. (stroke.org)

References

American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Preventing another stroke. https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/preventing-another-stroke

American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Stroke facts. https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-facts

American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Stroke symptoms. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms

American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Stroke, TIA and warning signs. https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/resource-library/lets-talk-about-stroke/stroke-tia-and-warning-signs

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 24). Signs and symptoms of stroke. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/index.html