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A stroke can cause physical changes, such as trouble moving and speaking. Treatments can help you recover. They can also lower your chance of another stroke.
Call your doctor or emergency medical service at the first signs of a stroke. Fast treatment can help reduce disability and death. Watch for numbness or weakness on one side of the face or body; trouble raising the arms; or slurred speech.
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A stroke happens when there is a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to brain cells. It can be caused by a clot, a ruptured blood vessel or something blocking an artery. People who have a stroke are at risk for serious, life-changing problems and can suffer from physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities. Symptoms are usually sudden and may include a severe headache, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble understanding speech, and changes in vision.
If a person has symptoms of a stroke, they should get emergency medical care immediately to prevent permanent damage and death. Often, the best way to treat a stroke is to break up or remove a clot. This is called “thrombolysis.”
A clot that forms in the artery leading to the brain (carotid artery disease) is the most common cause of a stroke. It can also be caused by a heart rhythm problem such as atrial fibrillation, or by some types of heart defects.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for a stroke. So is a family history of the condition and being over age 55. People who have a heart condition, such as an irregular heartbeat or a damaged heart valve (valvular disease), are at higher risk of having a stroke. So are people who smoke, drink too much alcohol or are overweight.
Some kinds of brain surgery can raise your risk for a stroke, including carotid artery disease and aneurysms. A history of previous strokes, especially hemorrhagic stroke, increases your risk for future attacks.
If you have a stroke, the most important thing is to restore normal blood flow as soon as possible. That can help save the most brain cells. But the more time passes without normal blood flow, the more brain cells die.
The most serious complications of a stroke are bleeding in the brain, loss of muscle movement and severe or lasting mental disability. But you can reduce your risk for a stroke by changing your lifestyle habits, following healthy eating guidelines and getting regular exercise.
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A stroke can cause a wide range of symptoms, and the speed at which they develop can help doctors determine the type of stroke and how serious it is. For example, one of the most common signs of a stroke is sudden weakness or numbness in an arm or leg (also called paresthesia). This typically affects only one side of the body and comes on very quickly. Other symptoms include trouble walking or a dizziness or change in balance. People may also have problems with their vision, such as blurred or double vision. They may find it hard to understand others, or have trouble finding words.
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it’s important to act fast. Call 999 and ask for an ambulance, even if the symptoms disappear before they reach hospital. This will help ensure the person receives prompt treatment, and can be crucial in reducing the risk of long-term disabilities.
The type of treatment a person receives will depend on the type of stroke and whether it was caused by a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. If it was a haemorrhagic stroke, they will probably be given medicine to control the bleeding. They may also need surgery to repair the burst blood vessels. If they had a ischaemic stroke, they will likely be given medication to reduce the chance of another clot forming. They may also be offered a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy. This involves threading a catheter with a stent into an artery in the groin, then extending it to the blocked area of the brain and using it to remove the clot.
Some people may need short-term care to help with breathing or swallowing problems that occur after a stroke. They may also need fluids to treat dehydration or low blood pressure. Some people with a condition called hydrocephalus, in which excess fluid builds up in the brain, may be helped by having a tube inserted into the neck (known as a shunt).
The risk of a stroke increases with age, but can happen to anyone. Factors that increase a person’s risk include a history of stroke or heart attack, high blood pressure, smoking, certain diseases, such as Moyamoya disease, and genetics.
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If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. The faster the person gets to the hospital, the more brain cells are likely to be saved. Medications can help treat a stroke, depending on the type and severity. For ischemic stroke, doctors can use an emergency medication called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which can break up clots and restore blood flow to the brain. The drug can be given within 4.5 hours of the start of symptoms, but it works better the sooner it is started. It is not used for hemorrhagic stroke because it increases the risk of dangerous bleeding complications.
A TIA, or mini-stroke, is also considered a warning sign and should be treated as an emergency. About one in three people who have a TIA will have a full-blown stroke within the year, and early treatment can dramatically reduce that risk. Doctors can also perform a procedure known as thrombectomy, which removes clots and helps restore blood flow to the brain.
Angioplasty and stenting can be used for hemorrhagic strokes to control the bleeding and ease pressure on the brain. In angioplasty, a doctor inserts and inflates a balloon in the blocked artery to push clots or plaques out of the way. They can also place a metal tunnel, called a stent, to support the wall of the artery afterward.
There are also a number of medications that can be used for both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Some lower your chances of having a second stroke, while others can prevent future clots from forming. Newer drugs that act like anticoagulants, such as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), work faster and require less monitoring.
Other treatments include speech therapy to improve your ability to communicate and physical therapy to regain the use of your arms, legs and body. Many hospitals have rehabilitation centers that can help you learn to cope with the challenges of living with a stroke. It’s important to go to your therapy appointments, as the recovery process is much more successful when you’re fully committed. And don’t forget to eat well, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check.
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After a stroke, rehabilitation is a key component of treatment and recovery. The specifics of rehabilitation can vary, but the general approach is to use specifically focused and repetitive actions to help restore lost abilities. Some common examples are walking exercises to improve the coordination of leg muscles or using a walker or canes to support balance and movement. Other therapy may include relearning how to swallow or a speech therapy program to address difficulty with language.
Many of these rehabilitation techniques are based on the concept of neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to trauma. The most recent therapies are also incorporating technology, such as robotic devices that can help with weakened muscle movements or controlled amounts of electricity to stimulate the muscles. These approaches are helping to overcome a myth that once a stroke patient has reached what is considered the “recovery plateau,” there is nothing more they can hope to achieve.
A team of healthcare professionals will assess your condition and develop a rehabilitation plan, including any necessary medical or surgical care. In some cases, you might be hospitalized in a specialized rehabilitation unit for several weeks or longer, depending on the severity of your stroke. You might also receive outpatient care, where you come into a facility to work with the therapists for a few hours each day.
If you are experiencing a severe stroke, you may be expected to return home with significant physical limitations, such as being unable to walk on your own or needing a wheelchair. In these cases, you may be able to get rehabilitation at home with the help of physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. Depending on your health insurance, you may be able to qualify for Medicare or Medicaid benefits. These benefits may cover the cost of inpatient rehabilitation services and a range of other treatments and support services. Regardless of your coverage, it’s important to seek help immediately after a stroke, to avoid further damage and limit the impact on daily life.
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Different parts of the brain control different abilities, so symptoms depend on which area is affected. The acronym FAST can help you remember what to look for:
Numbness or weakness, especially on one side; sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech; a severe headache without known cause. Call 911 and get to the hospital right away. Treatment can start within hours and reduce damage to the brain.
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Facial drooping, or paralysis, on one side of the face is one of the classic stroke symptoms. It is the first thing family members and friends will notice if someone is having a stroke. It is also a key feature of the symptom constellation known as hemiplegia, which is the most common symptom of stroke.
When a person suffers a stroke, the lack of blood flow in part of the brain causes cells to die. This can cause damage to the nerves that control movement and expression on the affected side of the face. It can also affect the corners of the mouth, causing drooling. Some people with a stroke can no longer blink or close their eyes, and they may have trouble understanding what other people are saying. Others have difficulty moving their arms or legs, and some have a hard time walking or remembering words. Some have headaches and some drool.
Strokes can be caused by a number of things, including heart attacks and a type of stroke called hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes can happen when blood clots rupture or burst in the brain. They are often more dangerous than ischemic strokes, and they have a higher rate of death.
Some people have what is called a silent stroke, where the symptoms develop gradually and don’t get noticed as quickly. This kind of stroke usually results from a blocked blood vessel in the cortex, or outer layer, of the brain. It can also be caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain stem, or when a part of the brain is inflamed.
When people experience a stroke, it’s important to recognise the warning signs and seek medical help right away. This is because the sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of a complete recovery. For stroke, this means getting to a hospital as soon as possible, and calling 911 right away. It is important to note the time when the symptoms started, so that medics can begin administering the right treatment at the right time.
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Arm weakness is one of the most common stroke symptoms, especially when it affects only one side of the body. It can occur when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked (ischemic stroke) or when there is a bleed in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
Strokes often affect muscle movement, leaving the affected person with numbness or weakness. It can also lead to a condition known as “paralysis,” when muscle movement is permanently impaired. A stroke is a medical emergency and it can be life-threatening, so the sooner someone receives treatment, the less likely they are to suffer long-term problems.
A numb or weak arm can be caused by many things, including age-related conditions, but it can also be a warning sign of stroke. Some people are more at risk than others, based on their race, ethnicity, or gender. Certain medications, such as birth control pills and some hormone therapies, can also increase the chance of a stroke.
If you suspect someone may be having a stroke, look for the FAST signs. Ask them to smile and check whether one side of the face droops. Try to raise both arms, then notice if one arm drifts downward. Then, speak a simple phrase and listen for slurred speech. Finally, note the time they started showing these symptoms, because a stroke is a very serious health event and every minute counts.
People who have experienced a stroke can have permanent arm problems, as well as other physical difficulties that are related to the stroke. These include problems with the neck and spine, such as damage to the cervical discs, which are the cushioning lubricants between the bones in the neck. This can cause them to become compressed or crowded, which causes pain in the arms and shoulder and can even lead to a contracture.
The best way to prevent this is by getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, which helps reduce the chances of stroke. If you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle and get treatment when needed.
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People who have a stroke often suffer from speech impediments. In some cases, the problem is temporary and improves once the brain heals. In others, the effects of a stroke are more lasting and can interfere with daily life.
Speech disorders in stroke victims usually involve slurring, poor pronunciation and rhythm changes due to nerve or brain disorder. These include dysarthria and lisping, which is the replacement of sounds, such as “th” for “s.” Other common symptoms are apraxia of speech and spasmodic dysphonia.
Symptoms of speech impairment vary depending on which area of the brain is affected. Some patients lose the ability to speak altogether or have difficulty understanding what other people say.
In most cases, a stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can be caused by a clot or a ruptured blood vessel. The interruption of the blood flow means that brain cells don’t receive enough oxygen and die. Stroke victims need to get medical attention as soon as possible in order to minimize the damage.
It is important for people to know how to identify the early warning signs of a stroke and what to do about them. They should call 911 and get to a hospital’s emergency department as quickly as possible. If they have been having a pre-stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke, they should be treated for that too.
These brief episodes interrupt the blood flow to the brain, and they can be just as dangerous as a full-blown stroke. In fact, TIAs are sometimes called “warning strokes” because they may indicate that a real stroke is about to occur.
People who have a TIA need to see their doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan, which will probably include drugs that dissolve clots and prevent further strokes. They may also need to have surgery to remove a clot from the carotid arteries, the main supplier of blood to the brain. In addition, they should avoid smoking and eat a heart-healthy diet to lower their risk of developing clots in the future.
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A stroke is a medical emergency. If you spot the FAST warning signs, call 911 right away:
Weakness or numbness in one side of the face, arm or leg. Difficulty in understanding speech. Unsteadiness or a sudden fall. Blurring or loss of vision, especially in one eye. Having trouble keeping track of time, or a sense of confusion.
Strokes can happen to anyone, but they are more common in older people (about two-thirds of strokes happen to people over age 65). Risk factors include having high blood pressure or other cardiovascular disease, smoking, having a family history of stroke, having diabetes or having an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Stroke is also more likely if you have certain genetic conditions.
The warning signs of a stroke can sometimes last for hours or even days before turning into a full-blown stroke. This is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. TIA symptoms may not be as obvious as those of a stroke, and they are not as serious.
During a stroke, the brain is starved of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, millions of cells are lost. The faster you get to a hospital, the better your chances are of recovering without permanent damage.
A person having a stroke needs immediate treatment to prevent complications such as clot-clot removal, bleeding in the brain or spinal cord, and other complications such as coma or depression. After the stroke, a healthcare team might help a patient regain as much function as possible through rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and counseling.
It is normal for someone who has had a stroke to feel sad or depressed, but you should talk with your doctor about how to manage this. You might also feel anger or frustration at your new limitations. Your doctor can assess your emotional well-being and refer you to a mental health specialist if necessary.
