Every 45 seconds, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted—either by a blockage or a bleed—causing brain cells to die. Without oxygen-rich blood, the affected parts of the brain stop working, often leading to long-term disability or even death. Early action saves lives, which is why recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond is critical.
Recognizing the Signs: Act F.A.S.T.
Call 9-1-1 immediately for this medical emergency if you notice:
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden dizziness, loss of coordination, or trouble walking
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Use the F.A.S.T. test:
Face: Ask the person to smile—does one side droop?
Arms: Ask them to raise both arms—does one drift downward?
Speech: Ask them to repeat a phrase—is their speech slurred or strange?
Time: If any sign is present, time is brain. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke
The most common type, caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain. This blockage may result from:
Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup)
Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
Blood clotting disorders
Carotid artery disease
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into or around the brain. This can be caused by:
High blood pressure
Brain aneurysms
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (associated with aging)
Types of Hemorrhagic Stroke:
Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Bleeding directly into brain tissue
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding in the space surrounding the brain, often from a ruptured aneurysm
AVM: A tangle of abnormal vessels prone to rupture
Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: Fragile blood vessels due to protein deposits
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA temporarily blocks blood flow. Symptoms resolve quickly but signal a high risk for a future, more serious one. Immediate medical attention is crucial.
Stroke Treatment in 2025
Emergency Treatment
Ischemic Stroke: The gold-standard treatment is tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), a clot-dissolving drug effective if given within 3 hours of symptom onset. In some cases, intra-arterial tPA or mechanical thrombectomy (physically removing the clot) is used.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: May require surgery to repair the vessel or relieve brain pressure. Techniques include:
Clipping or coiling aneurysms
AVM removal
Blood pressure management
Hospital Care & Monitoring
Once stabilized, patients undergo:
Imaging tests (CT, MRI, ultrasounds)
Heart rhythm monitoring
Blood tests for clotting, cholesterol, and more
Common medications may include:
Blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medications
Antiplatelets (e.g., Aspirin®, Plavix®)
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin®, DOACs)
Blood sugar management for diabetic patients
Surgical Interventions
Some patients benefit from:
Craniotomy to relieve pressure or remove clots
Carotid Endarterectomy: Removal of plaque from neck arteries
Stenting or angioplasty to open narrowed arteries
How the Brain Is Affected
Each side of the brain controls opposite sides of the body:
Left-side stroke: Affects speech, language, memory, and right-side motor skills.
Right-side stroke: Impacts attention, perception, spatial awareness, and left-side mobility.
Some stroke survivors also experience emotional changes, memory loss, or difficulty swallowing, eating, or driving safely.
Stroke Risk Factors in 2025
Non-Modifiable (Uncontrollable) Risk Factors
Age: Stroke risk doubles every 10 years after 55
Sex: Men have higher stroke incidence; women have higher mortality
Race: African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at higher risk
Family History
History of Stroke or TIA
Diabetes (though manageable, it remains a high-risk condition)
Modifiable (Controllable) Risk Factors
Smoking: Doubles stroke risk
High Blood Pressure: #1 risk factor
High Cholesterol
Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle
Poor Diet (high in salt, sugar, fat)
Atrial Fibrillation
Heart Disease or Previous Heart Attack
Excessive Alcohol or Drug Use
Uncontrolled Diabetes
Stress
Estrogen Therapy (e.g., birth control or HRT)
Tip: Stroke prevention is possible. Partner with your healthcare provider to manage risk through lifestyle changes, medication, and routine checkups.
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Stroke recovery starts early—often within 24-48 hours of treatment. Recovery may include:
Neurologists: Oversee treatment and recovery
Rehab Physicians & Nurses: Develop a tailored care plan
Physical Therapists: Improve mobility, balance, and strength
Occupational Therapists: Help with daily activities like dressing and eating
Speech Therapists: Assist with speech, language, and swallowing
Social Workers & Case Managers: Support families and coordinate care
Helpful Resources
Final Reminder
Stroke is treatable—and often preventable. Know the signs. Act quickly. Control your risk factors. And never hesitate to seek medical help when something doesn’t feel right.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment.
