Overview
Most strokes happen when a clot blocks an artery to the brain (ischemic stroke). Some happen when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
Without blood, brain cells start to die within minutes. Fast treatment can limit brain damage. A TIA, or mini-stroke, has the same signs but goes away. It's a warning that a stroke may come soon.
Symptoms
Stroke signs start suddenly. Use BE FAST to spot them.
- B, Balance: sudden loss of balance or coordination
- E, Eyes: sudden vision loss or double vision
- F, Face: one side of the face droops
- A, Arm: weakness or numbness in one arm or leg
- S, Speech: slurred speech or trouble understanding
- T, Time: call 911 right away
Less common
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden confusion
- Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
- Numb or tingling arm or face on one side
When to get medical care
Causes
A clot can form in a narrowed brain artery, or travel from the heart, often with AFib.
Bleeding strokes are usually caused by high blood pressure or a weak spot in a blood vessel (aneurysm).
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- High blood pressure, the biggest risk
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Smoking
- Diabetes and high cholesterol
- Older age and a past stroke or TIA
Possible complications
- Trouble with language: Problems speaking or understanding
- Memory and thinking problems: Vascular dementia
- Depression: Common after a stroke
Diagnosis
In the emergency room, doctors quickly check what kind of stroke it is.
Questions you may be asked
- Exactly when symptoms started, or when the person was last seen normal
- Medicines, especially blood thinners
The exam
They'll check speech, strength, vision, balance, and alertness.
Tests
Common tests:
- CT or MRI scan of the brain: Shows if there's bleeding or a blockage.
- Blood tests and ECG: Look for causes like an irregular heartbeat.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the kind of stroke and how fast you get to the hospital.
Self-care
- Call 911. Don't drive the person yourself.
- Note the time symptoms started
- Don't give food, drink, or medicine until the person is checked
Medicines
After a stroke, medicines help prevent another one.
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Blood thinners | Preventing new clots | Can raise bleeding risk. |
| Statins | Lowering cholesterol | Tell your doctor about muscle pain. |
| Blood pressure medicines | Keeping blood pressure down |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
For a blocked artery, clot-busting medicine works best within hours. Doctors may also remove the clot with a thin tube. For bleeding, they work to stop it and lower pressure. Rehab with physical, speech, and occupational therapy helps people recover.
Prevention
Most strokes can be prevented:
- Control your blood pressure
- Don't smoke
- Treat AFib, diabetes, and high cholesterol
- Be active and eat less salt
- Limit alcohol
Which doctor treats this
- Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
- They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor) or a neurosurgeon.
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- American Stroke Association: Recovery tips and support groups for survivors and families.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Women: Pregnancy, birth control pills, and migraine with aura can raise stroke risk.
- Children: Strokes are rare but can happen, often with sickle cell disease or heart problems.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
For caregivers
- Go to visits when you can and take notes.
- Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
- Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
- Learn CPR. Many hospitals and the Red Cross offer classes.
- Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.
Outlook
Recovery is different for everyone. Many people regain skills over months with rehab. Fast treatment gives the best chance of a good recovery.
Myths and facts
Myth: Stroke only happens to older people.
Fact: Strokes can happen at any age.
Myth: You should wait to see if symptoms go away.
Fact: Call 911 right away. Fast treatment saves brain cells.
Getting ready for your visit
After a stroke, a care team helps you recover and prevent another one.
What to bring
- Hospital papers and your medicine list
- A family member to help remember details
Questions to ask
- What caused my stroke?
- Which rehab do I need?
- How do I lower my risk of another stroke?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.