Before we begin: A stroke happens when there is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about stroke. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is a stroke? A stroke happens when there is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain. Your brain cells cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need from blood, and they start to die within a few minutes. This can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
If you think that you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 right away. Immediate treatment may save someone’s life and increase the chances for successful rehabilitation and recovery.
What are the types of stroke? There are two types of stroke:
Ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. This is the most common type; about 80% of strokes are ischemic.
Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain.
Another condition that’s similar to a stroke is a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It’s sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” TIAs happen when the blood supply to the brain is blocked for a short time. The damage to the brain cells isn’t permanent, but having a TIA puts you at much higher risk of having a stroke.
Who is at risk for a stroke? Certain factors can raise your risk of a stroke. The major risk factors include:
High blood pressure. This is the primary risk factor for a stroke.
Diabetes.
Heart diseases. Atrial fibrillation and other heart diseases can cause blood clots that lead to stroke.
Smoking. When you smoke, you damage your blood vessels and raise your blood pressure.
A personal or family history of stroke or TIA
Age. Your risk of stroke increases as you get older.
Race and ethnicity. People who are African American or Hispanic have a higher risk of stroke.
There are also other factors that are linked to a higher risk of stroke, such as:
Alcohol and illegal drug use
Not getting enough physical activity
High cholesterol
Unhealthy diet
Having obesity
What are the symptoms of a stroke? The symptoms of a stroke often happen quickly. They include:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
The F.A.S.T. test can help you remember what to look for if you think someone is having a stroke. Think “FAST” and look for:
Face drooping on one side when smiling.
Arm weakness occurs when the arms are raised, and one arm drifts downward.
Speech is slurred or strange.
Time to call 911.
If you think that you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 right away. Every minute counts during a stroke.
How are strokes diagnosed? To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will:
Ask about your symptoms and medical history
Do a physical exam, including a check of:
Your mental alertness
Your coordination and balance
Any numbness or weakness in your face, arms, and legs
Any trouble speaking and seeing clearly
Run some tests, which may include:
Diagnostic imaging of the brain, such as a CT scan or MRI.
Heart tests, which can help detect heart problems or blood clots that may have led to a stroke. Possible tests include an electrocardiogram (EKG) and an echocardiography.
What are the treatments for stroke? Treatments for stroke include medicines, surgery, and rehabilitation. Which treatments you get depend on the type of stroke and the stage of treatment. The different stages are:
Acute treatment, to try to stop a stroke while it is happening
Post-stroke rehabilitation, to overcome the disabilities caused by the stroke
Prevention, to prevent a first stroke or, if you have already had one, prevent another stroke
Acute treatments for ischemic stroke are usually medicines:
You may get tPA, (tissue plasminogen activator), a medicine to dissolve the blood clot. You can only get this medicine within 4 hours of when your symptoms started. The sooner you can get it, the better your chance of recovery.
If you cannot get that medicine, you may get medicine that helps stop platelets from clumping together to form blood clots. Or you may get a blood thinner to keep existing clots from getting bigger.
If you have carotid artery disease, you may also need a procedure to open your blocked carotid artery.
Acute treatments for hemorrhagic stroke focus on stopping the bleeding. The first step is to find the cause of bleeding in the brain. The next step is to control it:
If high blood pressure is the cause of bleeding, you may be given blood pressure medicines.
If an aneurysm is the cause, you may need aneurysm clipping or coil embolization. These are surgeries to prevent further leaking of blood from the aneurysm. They also can help prevent the aneurysm from bursting again.
If an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is the cause of a stroke, you may need an AVM repair. An AVM is a tangle of faulty arteries and veins that can rupture within the brain. An AVM repair may be done through:
Surgery
Injecting a substance into the blood vessels of the AVM to block blood flow
Radiation to shrink the blood vessels of the AVM
Stroke rehabilitation can help you relearn skills you lost because of the damage. The goal is to help you become as independent as possible and have the best possible quality of life.
Prevention of another stroke is also important, since having a stroke increases the risk of getting another one. Prevention may include heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medicines.
Can strokes be prevented? If you have already had a stroke or are at risk of having a stroke, you can make some heart-healthy lifestyle changes to try to prevent a future stroke:
Eating a heart-healthy diet
Aiming for a healthy weight
Managing stress
Getting regular physical activity
Quitting smoking
Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
If these changes aren’t enough, you may need medicine to control your risk factors.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Also known as: Brain attack, CVA, Cerebrovascular Accident.
Related topics: Brain Attack, CVA, Cerebrovascular Disease.
Categories: Older Adults, Blood, Heart and Circulation, Brain and Nerves.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Key Takeaways
Understanding stroke is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.