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Stroke: Brief Version

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KEY POINTS

  • Strokes happen when blood flow to part of your brain stops. This can cause problems in many parts of the body controlled by that part of the brain. A stroke can cause death.
  • If you think you are having a stroke, call 911 right away. You will need to go to the hospital for treatment.

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What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of your brain stops. One kind of stroke is caused by something that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Another kind of stroke is caused by a break in a blood vessel in your brain that causes bleeding. Whatever the cause, a stroke can cause problems in parts of the body controlled by the affected part of the brain. You may have trouble walking, talking, or seeing. A stroke can cause life-long damage or even death. A stroke is an emergency. If you have symptoms of a stroke, get help right away.

What are the symptoms?

It helps to think of the word FAST (face, arm, speech, and time) to remember stroke symptoms and what to do. Remember that Stroke symptoms come on FAST and may include:

Face/Head

  • Weakness, numbness, drooping, or tingling of face (may be on just one side)
  • Trouble seeing (one or both eyes)
  • Severe headache
  • Trouble thinking
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Feeling dizzy along with one or more of these other symptoms

Arm/Leg

  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arm or leg (may be on just one side)
  • Trouble walking or moving your arm or leg

Speech

  • Trouble talking or understanding speech

Time

  • Call 911 for emergency help right away if you have symptoms of a stroke.

How is it treated?

You need to go to the hospital. You will need to be treated for whatever caused the stroke.

Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to break down blood clots and keep your symptoms from getting worse. You may need surgery.

After a stroke, you may need to start a rehabilitation or “rehab” program. Rehab can help you get your strength back. You may also learn new ways to eat, dress, and take care of yourself. You may need help for problems with swallowing, talking, or moving. You may need a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair to get around.

How can I help prevent a stroke?

  • Keep all your doctor visits and take your medicine.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Lose weight if you need to.
  • Exercise every day.
  • Don’t drink much alcohol.
Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2016-10-24
Last reviewed: 2016-10-24
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2016 RelayHealth, a division of McKesson Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
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