Stroke Information

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or interrupted. When the blood does not reach an area of the brain, the brain cells will begin to die, causing damage to the brain.

Ischemic and Transient Ischemic Attack

• An ischemic stroke occurs because of a blockage in the blood vessels. A transient ischemic attack, also known as a "mini-stroke", is caused by a temporary blockage.

Hemorrhagic

• A hemorrhagic stroke is the result of a blood vessel rupturing and leads to bleeding into the brain. The pooling of the blood causes pressure on the brain tissue.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of a stroke happen suddenly. If you experience one side of your face, arms or legs going numb, trouble talking, confusion, vision problems in one or both eyes, dizziness, balance problems, or a bad headache with no other apparent cause, see your doctor or go to an emergency room immediately.

Treatment

• Strokes may be treated with blood thinners and aspirin. If you receive medical treatment within three hours of having a stroke, a tissue plasminogen activator can be used to dissolve any blood clots.

Prevention/Solution

• Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol, and not smoking, are things you can do to help prevent a stroke. If you are at risk, your doctor may recommend aspirin or blood thinner medication as another preventative measure.