About Stroke
About Stroke
What you need to know about stroke
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability among adults in the United States. A stroke can be devastating to patients and their families. Strokes can range from mild to severe and can happen at any age. They can occur in different parts of the brain and may affect different body functions.
What is a stroke?
A stroke, or “brain attack,” occurs when the blood supply stops flowing to a part of the brain. Brain cells die from the lack of oxygen. There are two main types of stroke:
Ischemic: An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that delivers blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. This is the most common type of stroke, making up about 87% of all strokes. Patients that have this type of stroke may be administered a medication that dissolves the clot called Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) or receive a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy (clot retrieval). Treatment for this kind of stroke is available if the patient arrives soon after the stroke occurs which is why calling 9-1-1 with the first signs of stroke is vital.
Hemorrhagic: A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks open and bleeds into the brain. This causes swelling, pressure and damage to the brain tissue. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but are more likely to cause death. Treatment of hemorrhagic strokes includes medications, neurosurgery, or treatment of blood vessels using catheter based approaches (endovascular approaches).
What are the early signs of stroke?
It is important to know the early signs of stroke. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone you are with shows signs of having a stroke. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. It is important to get care quickly because you may be eligible for treatment to reduce damage caused by a stroke. Treatment and recovery may depend on how soon you get care.
Stroke symptoms can vary. They often come on quickly. You may wake up with the symptoms. Act quickly and call 911 immediately if you notice any of these symptoms: Remember to BE FAST
Stroke Symptoms:
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding, sudden incoordination
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
- Severe headache
What can you expect in recovery?
Stroke recovery often takes months. Your physician may be able to guide you as to what to expect during recovery. Everyone recovers to a different degree, but generally the more exercises you do, the better your eventual recovery will be. Therapists and Rehabilitation doctors will work with you to maximize your stroke recovery.
Before leaving the hospital, you and your advocate should work with the case manager and care team to determine how to continue your recovery.
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