Causes & Symptoms
What is a stroke?
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident or a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted or reduced. Without blood to supply oxygen or nutrients to the brain, cells begin to die.
Depending on which part of the brain is affected, a stroke may cause memory loss, speech impairment, lessened ability to reason, paralysis, coma or death.
Risk factors include the following:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- smoking
- diabetes
- family history
- old age
There are two types of stroke: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. In addition to these two kinds of stroke, there are also transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are known as “mini-strokes.”
If you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, call 911 for emergency help:
- Sudden weakness
- Numbness/paralysis of the face, arm or leg
- Loss of speech or trouble talking
- Sudden loss of vision, particularly in one eye
- Sudden, severe headache
- Trouble walking
- Unexplained dizziness or loss of balance, in conjunction with other symptoms
The National Stroke Association created the acronym FAST to help people remember the signs of stroke.
F: Face. Does one side of the person’s face droop when asked to smile?
A: Arms. Does the person’s arm drift downward when raised?
S: Speech. Is the person’s speech slurred or unclear?
T: Time. Act fast if you see any of these signs. Call 911.