What is stroke?

A stroke is damage to the brain that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain can't work properly.

Brain damage can start within minutes of a stroke. But quick treatment can help limit the damage and increase the chance of a full recovery.

Symptoms of a stroke happen quickly. A stroke may cause:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Sudden trouble speaking.
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
• Sudden problems with walking or balance.
• A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
• Fainting.
• A seizure.

It's important to call for medical help if you have stroke symptoms. Quick treatment may save your life. And it may reduce the damage in your brain so that you have fewer problems after the stroke.

The first test the doctor will do in the emergency room is a CT scan or MRI of the head. This can show if there is bleeding in the brain. The results help the doctor know if the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.

The doctor will also do an exam to check the stroke symptoms.

Other tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) to check for heart problems.
• Blood tests to help your doctor make choices about your treatment and to check for conditions that may cause symptoms like those of a stroke. Tests may include:
  • Complete blood count (CBC).
  • Blood sugar.
  • Electrolytes.
  • Liver and kidney function.
  • Prothrombin time and INR (a test that measures how long it takes your blood to clot).

Later, you may have other tests to check for problems with your arteries or heart.

For an ischemic stroke, you may get a clot-dissolving medicine called tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). You may get other medicines to prevent blood clots. A procedure may be done to remove the clot and restore blood flow.

For a hemorrhagic stroke, you may get medicine or a transfusion with parts of blood. This can stop the bleeding in the brain. You may have surgery or a procedure to repair an aneurysm or relieve pressure on the brain. You may get medicines to control blood pressure, brain swelling, and other problems.

After either kind of stroke, treatment shifts to preventing future strokes and to your recovery. A stroke rehabilitation program can help you recover and learn ways to adapt to changes caused by a stroke. Medicine and a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent another stroke. Your doctor will help you manage other conditions that put you at risk for another stroke.

Here are some ways to care for yourself after a stroke.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. You may take a few medicines to help lower your risk of another stroke.
• Attend stroke rehabilitation (rehab) if recommended. Your rehab plan will be based on your goals and how the stroke affected you.
• You'll get instructions on how to manage specific problems that you might have because of the stroke.
• Manage other health problems. These include atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Have a heart-healthy lifestyle.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.
  • Stay at a healthy weight.
  • Be active. Ask your doctor what type and level of activity is safe for you.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium and sugar.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia.