Strokes affect the arteries leading to and within the brain. When a stroke occurs, blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain are blocked or ruptured preventing parts of the brain from receiving necessary blood and oxygen.

The most common types of strokes are:

Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a clot obstructing blood flow to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a ruptured blood vessel obstructing blood flow to the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Also referred to as a “mini stroke,” TIA is caused by a temporary clot obstructing blood flow to the brain.

Immediate medical care is crucial for patients experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Early medical intervention can reduce brain damage and potential complications.

After experiencing a stroke, patients often need to relearn skills affected by a stroke. Examples of skills a patient may need to relearn are walking, communicating, writing, and performing complex tasks. Some patients may also require strength training to regain use of an arm or leg that may have been affected by the stroke. Post-stroke care is vital to help patients regain independence and help prevent further incidents of strokes.

 

Symptoms can include but are not limited to:

• Difficulty speaking/slurred speech
• Difficultly understanding what others are saying
• Sudden paralysis or numbness in the face, arm, or leg
• Blurred or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Severe, sudden headache
• Difficulty walking
• Confusion

 

Patients experiencing a stroke or showing any signs or symptoms of stroke require immediate medical attention.

If someone is suspected of having a stroke the best way to assist them is to “Think FAST”

FACE- Ask the person experiencing potential stroke symptoms to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

ARMS- Can the person raise both arms? Does one arm unable to rise or move at all?

SPEECH- Is the person’s speech slurred or strange?

TIME- Continue to observe these times and call 911 immediately.

The sooner a patient seeks and receives medical care after showing signs of a stroke can prevent further complications and damage. Immediate medical attention is required so the patient can undergo a number of diagnostic tests to assess potential causes of stroke as well as the area of the brain being affected. Such diagnostic tests are a CT scan, cerebral angiogram, a carotid ultrasound, and bloodwork.