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What is a stroke?

A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function. It is caused by the interruption of flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). The interruption of blood flow or the rupture of blood vessels causes brain cells (neurons) in the affected area to die. The effects of a stroke depend on where the brain was injured, as well as how much damage occurred. A stroke can impact any number of areas including your ability to move, see, remember, speak, reason and read and write.

In a small number of cases, stroke-like damage to the brain can occur when the heart stops (cardiac arrest). The longer the brain goes without the oxygen and nutrients supplied by the blood flow, the greater the risk of permanent brain damage. Brain injuries can also result in uncontrolled bleeding and permanent brain damage. This is usually referred to as an Acquired Brain Injury.

Stroke warning signs

Stroke is a medical emergency. Recognizing and responding immediately to the warning signs of stroke by calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency number can significantly improve survival and recovery. If a person arrives at a hospital emergency immediately after experiencing any or all of the stroke warning signs, and if the patient is diagnosed with a stroke caused by a blood clot, then doctors can administer a clot-busting drug called tPA - but only within three hours of initial symptoms. Thrombolytic drugs like tPA can effectively improve the outcome of a stroke by potentially minimizing the physical and mental damage. Yet only 20% to 25% of those who have a stroke actually get emergency care and treatment within three hours of the onset of symptoms the critical time frame during which clot-busting drugs are most effective.

The five signs

Stroke can be treated. That’s why it is so important to recognize and respond to the warning signs.

1. Weakness - Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary.
2. Trouble speaking - Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.
3. Vision problems - Sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary.
4. Headache - Sudden severe and unusual headache.
   
5. Dizziness - Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.
   
   

If you experience any of these symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

Stroke prevention

You cant control your family history, age, gender or ethnicity. But luckily, you can do something about other factors that could increase your risk of having a stroke such as obesity, diet, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die. If the blood supply is not restored, the affected part of the brain dies, causing disability and death.

Help prevent a stroke by learning more about the risk factors you can do something about and those you cant control.

Risk factors you can do something about

Risk factors you can't control

What is your risk?

Are you at risk? Take the Heart&Stroke Risk Assessment TM and get a personalized risk profile and a customized action plan for healthy living that includes tips, tools, recipes and much more to help you reduce your risk.

Stroke diagnosis

If you experience the warning signs of stroke, call 9-1-1 or your medical emergency number immediately. The faster you get to the nearest emergency healthcare facility, the sooner you can be treated.

If you have symptoms that could be stroke-related or have risk factors for stroke, your doctor may also want to conduct a number of tests to help with his/her diagnosis and treatment. First, he/she will want to determine if a stroke has, in fact, occurred. Then if it has, your doctor will need to identify what type of stroke you have had, and what parts of your brain have been affected.

To help you understand more about these different types of tests to alleviate any concerns you might have. Just click on a test to find out more.

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