What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted—either from a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells in the affected area begin to die within minutes. That’s why fast recognition and immediate medical intervention are critical to survival and recovery outcomes.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Think FAST

Strokes happen suddenly and require urgent care. The FAST acronym helps identify warning signs quickly:

• F – Face: Drooping or uneven smile
• A – Arms: Numbness or weakness, often on one side of the body
• S – Speech: Slurred or difficult speech
• T – Time: Call 9-1-1 immediately and note when symptoms began
  

Other symptoms can include dizziness, vision problems, confusion, sudden headaches, or loss of balance. Women may also experience additional symptoms such as fainting, nausea, shortness of breath, or sudden behavioral changes.

Types of Stroke

There are three main categories of stroke:

• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A “mini-stroke” caused by a temporary clot. Symptoms are short-lived but signal a high risk of a more severe stroke.
• Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, caused by a blocked artery. Without treatment, damage can be extensive.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a ruptured vessel in the brain, leading to dangerous bleeding and swelling. These are often the most life-threatening.

Immediate Stroke Treatment

There is no substitute for immediate emergency care.

Treatments may include:

• Clot-dissolving medications (thrombolytics)
• Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs
• Surgical interventions to remove clots or repair vessels

But recovery doesn’t end at the hospital—it continues through specialized rehabilitation.