What is stroke?

What is stroke?

A stroke is also known as a "stroke." Many people think that a stroke occurs in the heart, but in fact it occurs in the brain, but it does have something to do with the heart. The blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the brain are called arteries. The brain needs a constant supply of blood, which carries the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Specific arteries supply blood to specific areas of the brain. A stroke occurs when one of the arteries leading to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. As a result, part of the brain doesn't get the blood it needs, and brain cells in that part begin to die.

A stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. This prevents the brain from getting oxygen and nutrients from the blood. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes. A stroke can also occur if a sudden bleed in the brain damages brain cells.

A stroke is a medical emergency that can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Symptoms of a stroke can range from mild weakness to paralysis or numbness in the face or one side of the body. Other symptoms include a sudden severe headache, sudden weakness, trouble seeing, or trouble speaking or understanding.

If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Do not drive to the hospital or have someone else drive you. Call an ambulance so that medical staff can begin emergency treatment on the way to the emergency room. During an acute stroke, every minute counts.

In the hospital, the stroke center will evaluate your condition and treat your stroke with medicine, surgery, or other procedures. Your recovery will depend on how severe your stroke was and how quickly you get treatment. A rehabilitation program may help you get back to being able to do the same things you did before your stroke.