More than 750,000 Americans have a stroke every year, and stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in this country.
That’s a good reason to learn the signs of stroke and how to react if you think you or someone else is experiencing a stroke.
“You lose about 2 million brain cells a minute during a stroke, so time is of the essence in recognizing a stroke and getting treatment,” explains Matthew Starr, MD, who specializes in neurology and vascular neurology at UPMC.
The Three Types of Stroke
Although we tend to use the word “stroke” as an umbrella term, there are actually three types of stroke:
- A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms last for a short time and disappear without any damage to the brain. However, a TIA can be a warning sign of a future full-blown stroke. “About a third of patients who have a TIA will go on to have a major stroke,” says Dr. Starr.
- An ischemic stroke occurs when there is a blocked blood vessel in the brain and blood flow is stopped, reducing oxygen to that part of the brain.
- A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel breaks and blood leaks or spills into the brain tissue, causing brain cells in the affected area to die. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of hemorrhagic stroke where blood leaks into the space between the inner and outer layers of the tissue covering the brain.
Hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes can lead to brain damage and disability and can sometimes be fatal.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Stroke
The symptoms of stroke can include the following:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- Difficulty with speech.
- Difficulty understanding others.
- Loss of vision or difficulty seeing.
- Double vision.
- Difficulty with balance or coordination.
- Severe headache.
If you think you could be having a stroke, or if you observe someone else who may be having a stroke, it’s important to seek medical attention.
“Call 911 right away,” says Dr. Starr. “Don’t try to drive yourself or your loved one to the hospital.”
That’s because emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can provide potentially lifesaving care on the scene and in the ambulance.
There’s another important reason to get immediate care at the first signs of stroke. Although your treatment options depend on your condition and the type of stroke, the sooner you receive treatment, the better.
Prevention: The Best Medicine
After acute stroke treatment, most people benefit from stroke rehabilitation. However, the best treatment for a stroke is to prevent it in the first place or prevent recurrence.
Engage in some healthy activities. “That may include regular exercise, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating more fruits and vegetables,” says Dr. Starr.
It’s also a good idea to check your blood pressure regularly and talk with your doctor.
Learn more about stroke care at the UPMC Stroke Institute.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .