A stroke occurs when a vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching certain areas. In the deprived parts of the brain, cells can’t function properly and begin to die; that’s why stroke victims often slur their words or become partially paralyzed. The sooner a person is treated after a stroke, the better the likelihood of recovery—but many people don’t know the symptoms and warning signs.

There are two types of strokes: About 80 percent are ischemic, in which a blood clot either forms in or travels to the brain, blocking a blood vessel. Less common (but deadlier) hemorrhagic strokes develop when an artery in the brain leaks or bursts, causing bleeding inside the brain.

Brain damage happens quickly after a stroke, and symptoms may include numbness, weakness, or paralysis of one part or one side of the body; vision problems; trouble understanding and communicating; dizziness; and a severe headache. Less severe symptoms may signal a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a ministroke. A TIA is a warning that a more serious, full-blown stroke may happen soon.

To diagnose a stroke, doctors use CT scans or other tests to find the location of the clot or bleeding in the brain. If an ischemic stroke is diagnosed within the first 3 hours, doctors may be able to use antithrombotic (blood-thinning) medications—aspirin, for example—to dissolve the blood clot and improve chances of recovery. A hemorrhagic stroke can be harder to treat. Doctors may perform surgery or use medication to stop bleeding or reduce pressure on the brain. It’s important to identify which type of stroke a person’s had, because medication to treat one may be fatal to someone who’s experienced the other.

After a stroke, patients often start rehabilitation to regain skills that were lost (such as use of one side of the body) or to learn to function with their remaining abilities. However, the rate of recurrence is high—according to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one-quarter of stroke victims will suffer another attack within 5 years. To prevent another stroke, doctors recommend taking preventive measures, such as controlling blood pressure and cholesterol with medications and making healthy lifestyle choices.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. Common disabilities that result from stroke include paralysis (hemiplegia) or weakness (hemiparesis) on one side of the body.
  2. Smoking cigarettes or using illegal drugs like cocaine are both risk factors for stroke.
  3. Although less severe than strokes, TIAs can also lead to permanent brain damage or dementia.