Stroke

Watch what happens in the brain during a hemorrhagic stroke, its symptoms, and the importance of calling 911 if you think someone may be having a 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 video to learn what happens during a TIA and what the risks are.

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.

Watch this video to learn about having a procedure to help prevent a stroke.

Watch this video to learn about treatment options for stroke prevention when you have a narrowed carotid artery.

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.

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks. A blood vessel on the surface of the brain bursts (hemorrhages). This spills blood into the surrounding tissue. This type of stroke often happens suddenly, with little warning.

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.

The earlier treatment for a stroke is started after symptoms begin, the more likely you are to survive and recover. Here is what you can expect during treatment.

This type of stroke can have a wide range of effects in the body and cause a broad range of symptoms.

When the carotid arteries are healthy, the brain gets all the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function well. If the carotid arteries are damaged, however, it can greatly increase your chances of stroke.

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

The Hunt-Hess scale helps the doctor assess a patient's condition.

You have an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain. Some AVMs never burst (rupture). But there are factors that can lead to rupture. If you have an AVM, you were likely born with it. But most people don't know they have one until a problem happens.

Here you will find out how to prepare for AVM surgery, what to expect the day of surgery, and the risks of surgery.

Eating healthy foods helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in arteries. It can also help you lose weight and keep high blood pressure under control.

After a stroke, you may not be able to do everything you used to. But there are still simple ways you can stay active.

A subdural hematoma is a buildup of blood on the surface of the brain. The blood builds up in a space between the layers that surround your brain.

A carotid dissection is a tear in the inner layer of an artery in the neck. You have one carotid artery on each side of your neck. These arteries send blood to your brain.

This test makes X-ray images of blood vessels in your brain. It is used to help your doctor find problems with those blood vessels.

Carotid artery disease causes a narrowing of the major blood vessels that supply the brain. It is caused by atherosclerosis and can lead to a stroke.

Learn how to B.E. F.A.S.T. when recognizing a stroke.

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.

Watch this video to understand why antiplatelet medicine is prescribed after a stroke and why it's important to take it.

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 a carotid endarterectomy is, how it is done, and how to prepare.

Watch this video to learn self-care instructions after a carotid endarterectomy.

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

Watch this video to learn self-care instructions after receiving a carotid artery stent.

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.

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. This is most often due to a blood clot in an artery in the brain or an artery leading to the brain. Treatment is needed right away to help dissolve the clot and restore normal blood flow.

Vertebral artery dissection is the most common causes of stroke in young and middle-aged adults, but it can occur at any age.

After a stroke, a person may feel sudden or extreme emotions. Sadness and depression are common. These feelings may be due to damage in the brain. Or they may be a response to the person's awareness of what has happened.

Follow the swallowing guide below. Your speech therapist will check off the boxes that apply to you.

You have narrowing of a blood vessel or carotid artery in your neck. It is caused by a substance called plaque that has built up in your artery. This can cause a transient ischemic attack or TIA. Here is information on surgery to help your condition.

Know what the options are for treating a brain aneurysm.

Embolization is a procedure used to treat a brain aneurysm. Learn about how it's done, and possible risks.

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.

Carotid artery stenting can help reduce the chance that you will have a stroke. Be sure to follow the instructions below and any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.

Carotid endarterectomy removes plaque that has built up in your carotid artery. This helps reduce your risk for stroke. Be sure to follow all of the instructions you are given.

Some people have trouble swallowing (dysphagia) after a stroke. This makes choking more likely. It also puts their health at further risk for conditions like aspiration pneumonia. To maintain nutritional needs, a speech therapist may teach your loved one ways to improve swallowing.

After a stroke, people can regain a sense of power by helping to take care of themselves. Many can learn ways to manage a lack of bowel and bladder control. And using impaired arms and legs to bathe and dress helps regain muscle strength. In fact, daily use of affected hands often helps bring back function.

Your carotid dissection may need to be treated in a hospital. Treatment choices depend on your age, overall health, and symptoms.

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

Angioplasty and stenting is a type of procedure to improve the blood flow in an artery or vein.

Transcranial doppler is a kind of imaging test that looks at blood flow in your brain. It uses special sound waves and a computer to see how well blood is moving through blood vessels in real time.

TCAR is a type of treatment for carotid artery disease. TCAR helps prevent a stroke by unblocking a blocked artery.

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 the basics of a stroke rehab program, including the benefits of it.

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.

After a stroke, it may take some time before you feel ready to have sex again. Reading this sheet can help you understand some of what you're feeling. It can also help you work with your partner to rebuild intimacy and find ways to enjoy sex again.

A femoral endarterectomy is surgery to restore blood flow through a large blood vessel in the groin area.

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.

After surgery, you'll be taken to a recovery area. Later, you may be moved to a regular hospital room where you'll stay for 1 or 2 days.

You'll start feeling back to normal a day or 2 after getting home. But don't forget that you just had surgery. Here is information to speed your recovery.

Your hospital stay depends on the amount of damage caused by the aneurysm, your health, and your response to treatment and therapy. Your healthcare team will monitor how well treatment has worked and will decide whether you need rehabilitation.

An aneurysm may have affected your loved one's body functions, skills, and emotions. He or she may move on to a skilled nursing facility, a rehabilitation center, or go home and return for therapy as an outpatient.

It's important to get medical attention for an AVM as soon as possible. Often, immediate treatment may help prevent serious complications of some AVMs. Current surgical methods make treatment for AVM safer and more effective than ever. The goal of treatment is to stop the flow of blood within the AVM and to prevent it from re-bleeding.

After AVM surgery is completed, the surgeon will talk with your family and friends. You'll wake up in a recovery area. Then you'll be moved to a special unit, often an ICU (Intensive Care Unit), where you can be closely monitored.

This procedure was done to reduce your risk of a stroke, which can occur when the carotid arteries are severely blocked or narrowed. This information can help you care for yourself at home.

You have been diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack (TIA). You can think of a TIA as a temporary or mini-stroke. If you think you are having symptoms of a TIA or stroke, get medical help right away - even if the symptoms go away.

After carotid artery stenting, you will most likely stay overnight in the hospital for care and monitoring. Here is what you can expect at the hospital.

During the surgical procedure, a long thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery. This is used to move instruments through the artery to put the stent in place. Here is information about the procedure.

You'll watch your incision site for bleeding, and take all medicines exactly as prescribed. You'll take it easy, but try to get back to your normal routine as much as possible.

Many people who have a stroke are left with problems with one of their arms. Proper arm care after a stroke can help treat these problems with your arm. It can also help prevent new problems from starting.

Angioplasty and stenting is a type of procedure to improve the blood flow in an artery or vein.

Many people who have a stroke have problems with the arm and leg on one side of their body. Good positioning after a stroke can help treat problems with your affected arm, leg, and vision. It can also help prevent new problems from developing.

You had a procedure called cerebral angiography. This is an X-ray study of the blood vessels that supply your brain. Here's what to do at home afterward.

PICS is a group of health problems that often affects people who have been in the intensive care unit (ICU). It may also affect people who have a loved one in the ICU. Learn more about PICS, including causes, symptoms, and treatment.