Stroke: Brief Version

What is a stroke?

Strokes happen when blood flow to your brain stops. Without blood and oxygen, brain cells get damaged or die. This can cause symptoms in parts of the body controlled by these brain cells. You may have trouble using these parts of your body. This may get better after a few weeks, but you may keep having problems. A stroke can cause lasting damage and sometimes death. Strokes need to be treated right away.

A stroke can be caused by a blood clot or a break in a blood vessel in the brain.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of a stroke come on very fast. They may include:

• numbness or weakness of the face, arms, or legs
• problems with the way you think or speak
• problems seeing
• problems walking
• a very bad headache

How is it treated?

You will need to stay at the hospital. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to break down blood clots and keep your symptoms from getting worse.

You may need an IV and oxygen. You will need treatment for whatever caused the stroke.

After a stroke, you start a recovery program (usually called a rehabilitation or “rehab” program). During rehab, you work on getting your strength back. You may also learn new ways to eat, dress, and take care of yourself. You may need help with problems with swallowing, speaking, or understanding words. You may need a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair to get around.

How can I take care of myself and prevent stroke?

• Talk to your healthcare provider about what caused your stroke. Follow your provider's advice about medicine, healthy food, exercise, and stress.
• Make sure you get into and stay with a good recovery program (rehab program).
• Keep all your doctor visits and take your medicine.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Lose weight if you need to.
• Exercise every day.
• If you think you are having a stroke, call 911 or an ambulance. Don't do anything else before you call 911.