Stroke

Description

Stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a brain blood vessel ruptures. This interruption can damage brain cells and lead to sudden changes in how the body or senses work. Common signs include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, a severe headache, dizziness, or confusion. Stroke is a medical emergency, and calling emergency services right away improves the chances of recovery. If you have concerns about your risk or symptoms, please talk with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Common Symptoms

- 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 trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- If you notice these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately and contact a healthcare professional for guidance

Causes

The most important modifiable risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure.
Other modifiable factors include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet.
Non-modifiable risks include age, family history, and certain heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation.
Alcohol or illicit drug use and a prior stroke or TIA can also raise risk.
If you're worried about your risk, consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Treatment Options

Stroke care starts with rapid evaluation to determine the type (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and to begin urgent treatment.
Ischemic strokes are often treated with clot-dissolving therapy and/or mechanical removal of the clot to restore blood flow.
Hemorrhagic strokes focus on stopping the bleeding, controlling brain pressure, and reversing contributing anticoagulation when needed, with surgery in some cases.
Long-term care emphasizes risk-factor control (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking), healthy lifestyle changes, and rehabilitation services.
For personal medical decisions, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.