A stroke is a serious medical condition that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without enough blood, brain cells can’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need and begin to die within minutes. This can cause lasting damage, disability, or even death if help isn’t given right away.
Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. The good news is that many strokes can be prevented, and getting treatment quickly can save lives and improve recovery. In this article, we’ll look at what a stroke is, what causes it, the different types, symptoms to watch for, and how doctors diagnose and treat it.
What Happens During a Stroke?
Your brain needs a constant supply of blood to work properly. That blood brings oxygen and nutrients that keep your brain cells alive. When something blocks that flow, or when a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding, the affected part of the brain starts to shut down. That’s when a stroke occurs.
Because different parts of the brain control different body functions, the effects of a stroke depend on where it happens and how severe it is. A stroke can affect your ability to speak, move, think clearly, or even breathe. And because strokes happen fast, recognizing the warning signs quickly is extremely important.
Causes and Different Types
There are two main types of strokes, and they are caused by different problems in the blood vessels.
Ischemic stroke
This is the most common type, making up about 87% of all strokes. It happens when a blood clot blocks or narrows a blood vessel in the brain. The clot stops blood from reaching brain tissue, which causes brain cells to die.
Ischemic strokes can be caused by:
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A blood clot forming in the brain (thrombotic stroke)
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A clot traveling from another part of the body, usually the heart (embolic stroke)
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Narrowing of the arteries due to fat buildup (atherosclerosis)
Hemorrhagic stroke
This type happens when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and bleeds into the brain tissue. The bleeding puts pressure on the brain and damages cells. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but often more severe.
They are usually caused by:
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High blood pressure
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Head injury
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Aneurysm (a weak spot in a blood vessel)
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Certain blood-thinning medications
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked for a short time—usually less than five minutes. The symptoms are similar to a regular stroke but go away quickly. Even though TIAs don’t cause lasting damage, they are a serious warning sign that a bigger stroke could happen soon.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
The signs of a stroke often come on suddenly. Recognizing them quickly and calling 911 can save a life.
Remember the word FAST:
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F – Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile—does it look uneven?
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A – Arm weakness: One arm may be weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms—does one drift downward?
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S – Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence—can they do it clearly?
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T – Time to call 911: If you see any of these signs, even if they go away, call emergency services right away.
Other symptoms may include:
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Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
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A sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech
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Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
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Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
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Severe headache with no known cause
Don’t ignore these signs. Even if they last just a few minutes, they could mean a stroke is happening or about to happen.
How Doctors Confirm a Stroke
When someone comes to the hospital with signs of a stroke, doctors need to act quickly to find out what kind of stroke it is. This is important because the treatment depends on the type. The medical team will start by asking about symptoms and checking for risk factors like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes.
Imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI are used to look inside the brain. These scans show whether there is bleeding or a blocked blood vessel. Doctors may also do blood tests to check for clotting problems or infection. An ECG (heart test) or an ultrasound of the neck might be done to check for heart issues or narrowed arteries that could have caused the stroke.
Getting a fast and accurate diagnosis helps doctors begin treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment Options That Save Lives
The goal of treatment is to restore normal blood flow to the brain and prevent further damage. For ischemic strokes, doctors often use a special medication called tPA to dissolve the clot. This medicine works best if it’s given within a few hours of the first symptoms. In some cases, doctors use a thin tube to remove the clot directly from the brain’s blood vessels.
People with hemorrhagic strokes need a different approach. Treatment usually focuses on lowering the pressure inside the brain and stopping the bleeding. This might include medications or surgery, especially if a large amount of blood has built up or a damaged blood vessel needs to be repaired.
Once the emergency treatment is done, many people begin stroke rehabilitation. This can involve different types of therapy, depending on what parts of the body or mind were affected. Some people need help with walking or movement, while others work on speech or relearning daily tasks. Therapy may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Emotional support and mental health care are often important too, especially if a person feels anxious, depressed, or frustrated during recovery.
What Happens After a Stroke
Recovery from a stroke can take time. Some people recover fully, while others live with long-term changes to their abilities. The recovery process depends on how severe the stroke was and how quickly treatment began. Support from family, friends, and healthcare providers makes a big difference.
After a stroke, many people also need to focus on preventing another one. That may mean making changes to their lifestyle—like eating healthier, exercising more, quitting smoking, or taking medication to manage blood pressure or cholesterol.
