Stroke

Watch what happens in the brain during an ischemic stroke, its symptoms, and the importance of calling 911 if you think someone may be having a stroke.

This is a slow down or blockage of the blood that normally flows to part of your brain. When it happens, your brain cells don't get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Within minutes, they begin to die.

Learn what a TIA is, how it is a serious warning sign for a stroke, and the importance of calling 911 if someone is showing the signs of having a TIA.

Watch this to learn about three different types of strokes.

Most strokes are preventable, learn how to lessen your risk.

Having a stroke can change many things in your life. Learn about the common effects of stroke.

Understand the controllable and uncontrollable risk factors that increase your chance for having a stroke.

Learn how exercise can help your recovery from stroke and lessen your chance for a future stroke.

Your risk for stroke is tied to a lot of factors. Some things (like your age and family history) you can't control. But you do have control over many others. So if you're worried about your risk, focus on these healthy habits.

During a stroke, fast action is key. Getting help quickly can be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, there are many warning signs that show you a stroke is happening. So get help immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms.

This is bleeding that happens inside your brain. Most often, it's a rupture of tiny arteries in your brain. It can happen deep within the brain, or near the brain's surface. It leads to stroke and to a dangerous buildup of pressure in the brain.

This is bleeding that happens between your brain and the membrane that surrounds it. It leads to stroke and to a dangerous buildup of pressure in your brain.

Every part of your body, including your heart and your brain, needs oxygen to work. Oxygen is carried in the blood. Blood vessels called arteries carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Both heart attack and stroke are due to problems in the arteries. The same factors that cause heart disease can make you more likely to have a stroke.

Most strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies the brain. They can also occur if a blood vessel in the brain ruptures (bursts open).

A TIA (transient ischemic attack) is an early warning that a stroke (also called a brain attack) is coming. A TIA is a temporary stroke. It causes no lasting damage. But the effects of a stroke, if it happens, can be very serious and lasting. Here are symptoms to watch for.

Each day that your blood pressure is too high, your chances of having a stroke are increased.

The brain needs a constant supply of blood to work. During a stroke, blood stops flowing to part of the brain.

Certain health and lifestyle issues - called risk factors - increase your chances of having a stroke. This page helps you identify which risk factors you have.

A stroke requires immediate medical attention. Know the signs of stroke.

Breaking old habits can be hard. But when your health is at stake, it's never too late to make changes for the better. Some lifestyle changes might be easy for you. Others might be tough.

Strokes disproportionately affect Hispanic Americans. Understanding your risk and doing what you can to lower it can help prevent strokes.

Learn how to recognize the signs of a stroke.

Fast action during a stroke can be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, there are many stroke warning signs. To help you remember the signs and how to respond, just use the word "FAST." That's F-A-S-T.

You can have a stroke that lasts for only a few minutes and then seems to go away. We call that a "mini-stroke." It happens when part of your brain's blood supply is blocked for a short time. But even if your symptoms disappear, a mini-stroke is a dangerous event. You need to seek help right away.

Your brain is divided into left and right halves, called "hemispheres." They specialize in different things. Because of this, a stroke on the left side of your brain can be very different from a stroke on the brain's right side. Let's look at some symptoms of a left brain stroke.

Your brain is divided into left and right halves, called "hemispheres." They specialize in different things. Because of this, a stroke on the right side of your brain can be very different from a stroke on the brain's left side. Let's look at some symptoms of a right brain stroke.

During a stroke, blood stops flowing to part of the brain or there is bleeding in the brain. This can damage areas in the brain that control the rest of the body. Get help right away if any of these symptoms come on suddenly, even if the symptoms don't last.

Learning to recognize stroke symptoms, or the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack, can help to lessen the damage for you or someone else.

Many heart attacks and strokes are caused by blood clots that block the flow of blood to the heart or brain. In these cases, rapid intervention from a medical professional with a clot-dissolving drug can reduce the damage caused by the blood clot.

Learn which medications are used to treat stroke and help reduce the risk of a future stroke.

Learn what a stroke is and the importance of getting help right away.

Listen to a stroke patient's story to learn how he overcame obstacles in his physical and emotional recovery process.

Watch this video to learn what carotid artery stenting is and how it's done.

This procedure improves blood flow in a neck artery that's clogged with plaque. You have two carotid arteries, one on each side of your neck. They supply blood to your brain. When blood can't get through these arteries, you can have a stroke.

After a stroke, a person may have trouble using all or part of the body. Improving posture, range of motion, and strength are early goals.

Tests that may be used to help diagnose a stroke include a CT scan or MRI, and an electroencephalogram.

Many people will help with your recovery. Watch this to understand who makes up your recovery team.

When you have a stroke, it also affects the people that love and support you. Learn how a stroke may affect your caregivers, and what steps you can take to support them.

Watch this to learn how a stroke can affect how someone moves, thinks, and feels.

After a stroke, you may have problems doing daily activities. Watch this to learn the benefits of stroke rehab.

Learn how support groups can help stroke survivors and caregivers.

Watch this video to learn about the range of emotions you may experience after having a stroke.

Watch common strategies that can help patients and caregivers deal with the feelings and frustrations often experienced with stroke.

Learn about how it is decided by you and your care team and what is the best place for you to go to continue your recovery after leaving the hospital.

Learn what resources may be available to help you with your medical bills.

If you've had a stroke, you're likely facing some unexpected challenges. Strokes affect different people in different ways, and every recovery is unique. But here are some things you'll need to consider.

When blood supply is cut off from the brain, cells start to die from lack of oxygen. Within minutes, skills such as reasoning, speech, and movement of the arm, leg, or face may be affected. The type of skills and the amount of loss depend on which part of the brain was affected, and how much tissue was damaged.

When your loved one returns home, you'll both need time to adjust. Here are tips for home care.

After being released from rehab, your loved one may need ongoing therapy or nursing care. Talk with a social worker or case manager about planning for care and local sources of support.

Performing your routine tasks may be difficult after you've had a stroke (brain attack). But many people can learn ways to manage their daily activities.

Just after a stroke, it's common for people to experience emotional changes. You may have drastic mood swings from one minute to the next. Your reaction to things may not make sense. This can be surprising and confusing to you and to those around you. But it's a normal part of recovery.

Endarterectomy is the removal of plaque from the carotid artery through an incision in the neck. This surgery has a low risk of stroke or complication (1% to 3%). It typically involves a quick recovery with little pain.

Here's how to care for yourself at home when you've been diagnosed with a stroke or you have a high risk for stroke.

A helpful guide to understanding stroke rehab programs.

Rehab services are provided in many different places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Read on to learn about what to look for when choosing a rehab facility and services.

If your loved one has had a stroke, you may be wondering:How can I communicate with my loved one? Having a stroke can make people struggle with things like talking, listening, reading, and writing. So you might have to communicate with your loved one differently.

People who have had strokes often experience side effects like paralysis, memory loss, and behavior changes. But almost two-thirds of stroke survivors have vision problems, too. This is particularly likely to occur if a stroke happens toward the back of the brain, where it processes vision.