Stroke

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, brain cells can become damaged within minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency that can affect anyone, although some people have a higher risk. Prompt treatment may limit brain injury and improve recovery.

Stroke symptoms may differ in women and men, and not every person has every symptom. The signs depend partly on which area of the brain is affected. Any sudden symptom should be treated as an emergency, not monitored at home; call emergency services even if it improves.

Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks an artery supplying the brain. The clot may form in a brain artery, often where blood vessels have narrowed, or it may travel from another part of the body, such as the heart. The blockage reduces oxygen-rich blood flow to brain tissue.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain or the space around it. The bleeding can damage nearby brain tissue and increase pressure inside the skull. High blood pressure and some blood vessel problems can contribute to this type of stroke.

Having a risk factor does not mean that a stroke will occur. However, controlling blood pressure and managing other treatable risks can substantially lower risk. Regular medical care can help identify problems early and keep long-term conditions under control.

Complications depend on the brain region affected, the severity of the stroke, how quickly treatment begins, and other health conditions. Rehabilitation can help address many physical, communication, thinking, and emotional effects. Recovery needs are different for each person.

Emergency clinicians ask when symptoms started or when the person was last known to be well, along with questions about medicines and medical history. They assess strength, speech, vision, coordination, alertness, and other neurological functions. This information helps guide urgent testing and treatment.

Stroke treatment depends on whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic and should begin as soon as possible. In ischemic stroke, treatments such as intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy may be used in eligible patients to restore blood flow to the brain. In hemorrhagic stroke, treatment focuses on controlling bleeding, reducing pressure in the brain, and addressing the underlying cause.After the acute phase, rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help patients regain function and improve independence. Long-term management includes controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. Rapid recognition of stroke symptoms and immediate emergency care are essential to reduce brain damage and disability.

There is no routine screening scan for stroke in people who have no symptoms. Regular primary-care visits can still identify and manage major risk factors, helping lower the chance of a first or recurrent stroke.

Prognosis varies with the type of stroke, the brain area and extent of injury, treatment speed, age, overall health, and complications. Some people have mild effects and recover quickly, while others need longer-term rehabilitation or ongoing support.