About Stroke
Source: American Stroke Association About Stroke and National Stroke Association What is Stroke
In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death following heart disease and cancer. Strokes occur when the blood supply to and within the brain is interrupted by blockage or the blood vessel bursts. Blockages and bursts stop the flow of blood to that portion of the brain, and brain tissue begins to die. The effect of the stroke varies depending on the location of the brain damage. If blood flow can not be restored to the affected region, the function of the region will be lost.
Types of Strokes
There are three types of strokes: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and TIA.
- An ischemic stroke is caused by clots limiting the flow of blood to the brain.
- Over 87% of strokes are ischemic.
- The underlying cause of an ischemic stroke is the build-up of fatty deposits on the arterial walls.
- See a detailed animation of an ischemic stroke.
- A hemorrhagic stroke is a blood vessel bursting and not allowing blood flow to the brain.
- Accounts for 13% of strokes.
- The underlying cause of a hemorrhagic stroke are weaken blood vessels.
- See a detailed animation of a hemorrhagic stroke.
- A TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) or a "mini stroke" is caused by a temporary clot.
- Like a ischemic stroke, TIA are caused by clots. The only difference is TIA clots are temporary (some clots can be naturally dissolved by the body).
- TIA symptoms occur rapidly and last only a few minutes, and there is not permanent damage.
- Whenever someone has the warning signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away.
- See a detailed animation of a TIA.
Warning Signs of a Stroke
If you experience any of these, call 9-1-1 immediately!
- Sudden numbness or weakness of your face, arms, or legs
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden blurry vision
- Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden trouble walking or dizziness
- Sudden severe headaches
Seek Help Immediately
The longer the brain is without blood flow, the more serve the damage could be. If someone may have had a stroke, call 911 even if the symptoms seem to be going away. Immediate treatment can save lives and improve chances for recovery.
Strokes require immediate medical attention because the most common type of stroke (an Ischemic Stroke) can be treated with a drug which destroys the blood clots that caused the stroke. However, the drug must be given within three hours after the stroke. This means people who have had strokes must get to the hospital within one hour after the stroke.
Educational Resources
- Let's Talk about Stroke Risk Factors (American Heart Association)
- A 2-page handout describing the changeable and non-changeable risk factors
- Available in Spanish as well.
- Stroke Education packet (American Heart Association)
- A 2-page description of the types of strokes.
- Explaining Stroke (National Stroke Association)
- A 20-page booklet describing the types of strokes.
- Available in Spanish as well.
- Let's Talk about Ischemic Strokes (American Heart Association)
- A 2-page handout describing the warning signs, diagnosis, and treatment of Ischemic Strokes
- Available in Spanish as well.
- Let's Talk about Hemorrhagic Strokes (American Heart Association)
- A 2-page handout describing the warning signs, diagnosis, and treatment of Hemorrhagic Strokes
- Available in Spanish as well.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) (National Stroke Association)
- Brochure describing the warning signs, diagnosis, and treatment of TIAs
- Available in Spanish as well.
- Let's Talk about TIA (American Heart Association)
- A 2-page handout describing the warning signs, diagnosis, and treatment of TIAs
- Available in Spanish as well.
For more information, visit:
- Know the Signs. Act in Time. (National Institutes of Health)
- Start With Your Heart (NC Department of Health and Human Services/NC Division of Public Health)
- American Stroke Association
- National Stroke Association