Stroke Resource Center

Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. Symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness, difficulty speaking, vision problems, and a severe headache. Immediate medical attention is crucial to minimize brain damage and improve recovery. Treatment options include clot-busting medications, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation therapies. Lifestyle changes, such as managing high blood pressure and cholesterol, play a vital role in stroke prevention.

Common Questions & Answers

What are the warning signs of a stroke?

Sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, and a severe headache are classic warning signs of a stroke.

Diagnosing a stroke involves imaging tests (such as computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging) and neurological exams.
Treatment for an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot in an artery blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to a portion of the brain, includes clot-busting drugs (tPA) or mechanical thrombectomy, an endovascular procedure used to remove a blood clot.
Treatment for a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or bleeds, includes medications to control bleeding and surgical clipping to stop the vessel from bleeding.
Long-term effects of a stroke can include weakness, paralysis on one side of the body, speech difficulties, and cognitive impairments.
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