Stroke Association

An overview of stroke, its causes, symptoms, and treatment

Stroke

Logo of the Stroke Association

A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications.

Types of Stroke

Strokes can be classified into two main types:

Ischemic Stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when the arteries to the brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow (ischemia). The most common ischemic strokes include:

• Thrombotic stroke: A blood clot (thrombus) forms in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
• Embolic stroke: A blood clot or other debris forms away from the brain — commonly in the heart — and is swept through the bloodstream to lodge in narrower brain arteries.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. Brain hemorrhages can result from many conditions that affect the blood vessels, including:

• Hypertension: Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Aneurysms: Weak spots in blood vessel walls.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of stroke, including:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular disease

Diagnosis

To diagnose a stroke, doctors will perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical history. Tests may include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Carotid ultrasound
• Cerebral angiogram

Treatment

Treatment for stroke depends on the type of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke Treatment

The goal of treatment is to restore blood flow to the brain. This may include:

• Medications such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
• Endovascular procedures

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment

Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. This may involve:

• Surgery
• Endovascular procedures

Prevention

Preventive strategies include:

• Controlling high blood pressure
• Quitting smoking
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Managing diabetes

Related pages

• Transient ischemic attack
• Cerebral aneurysm
• Hypertension