Stroke

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when the blood flow to part of the brain stops or when there is bleeding inside the brain. This can make part of the brain stop working well. Strokes can happen to anyone, but they are more common for people who are older.

Two Main Types of Stroke

There are two main types of stroke.

1. Ischemic stroke: This happens when the blood flow to part of the brain gets blocked, often by a clot. This is the most common type.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke: This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and causes bleeding.

Signs to Look For

It is important to know the signs of a stroke. A quick way to remember is FAST:

• Facial drooping: One side of the face might look uneven.
• Arm weakness: One arm might feel weak or numb.
• Speech difficulty: Speaking might sound strange or slurred.
• Time to call for help: If you see any of these signs, call for help right away.

Other signs can include trouble with balance, vision, or walking. Sometimes people may have trouble speaking or understanding others, or they might notice weakness or numbness on one side of their body. If you or someone else shows these signs, seek medical help immediately.

Keeping Healthy Helps

One of the best ways to help prevent a stroke is by taking care of your health. This includes eating healthy foods, exercising, and not smoking. Doctors also recommend medicines for some people, especially if they have had a stroke before or have a high risk of having one. Keeping high blood pressure under control is very important, as it is the biggest risk factor for having a stroke. Other risks include high blood cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes mellitus.