Stroke

WebMD

Overview & Symptoms

What Is a Stroke?Disruptions of blood circulation to the brain may result in a stroke. It occurs in two forms, both potentially life-threatening.

Warning SignsYou're more likely to have one or more sudden warning signs like numbness or weakness, confusion, dizziness, or severe headache.

Stroke SymptomsIf you or someone with you exhibits signs of a stroke, do not delay. Timely treatment is critical to survival and recovery.

Types of StrokeThere are three major kinds of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack (TIA) -- with different symptoms.

What Is a Stroke?Disruptions of blood circulation to the brain may result in a stroke. It occurs in two forms, both potentially life-threatening.

Warning SignsYou're more likely to have one or more sudden warning signs like numbness or weakness, confusion, dizziness, or severe headache.

Stroke SymptomsIf you or someone with you exhibits signs of a stroke, do not delay. Timely treatment is critical to survival and recovery.

Types of StrokeThere are three major kinds of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack (TIA) -- with different symptoms.

Silent StrokeSome people have strokes without knowing it. Silent strokes either have no easy-to-recognize symptoms or you don’t remember them.

Causes & Complications

What Puts You at Risk?You can change or manage some things that put you at risk for a stroke, such as high blood pressure and smoking.

How Can I Prevent Stroke?To reduce your chances of stroke, adopt habits that promote cardiovascular health and deter hardening of the arteries.

Stroke-Related DementiaIn the U.S., stroke-related cognitive decline, vascular dementia, is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's.

Vascular DementiaWhat happens when someone has vascular dementia? Learn more about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

What Puts You at Risk?You can change or manage some things that put you at risk for a stroke, such as high blood pressure and smoking.

How Can I Prevent Stroke?To reduce your chances of stroke, adopt habits that promote cardiovascular health and deter hardening of the arteries.

Stroke-Related DementiaIn the U.S., stroke-related cognitive decline, vascular dementia, is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's.

Vascular DementiaWhat happens when someone has vascular dementia? Learn more about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Identifying and Treating StrokeWith stroke, a doctor must confirm the symptoms, identify the type of stroke, its location, and the extent of brain damage.

ThrombolysisThrombolysis is a treatment to dissolve clots in blood vessels, improve blood flow, and prevent damage to tissues and organs.

Stroke RehabilitationIn stroke rehab, a team of health professionals works with you to regain skills you lost as the result of a stroke.

Identifying and Treating StrokeWith stroke, a doctor must confirm the symptoms, identify the type of stroke, its location, and the extent of brain damage.

ThrombolysisThrombolysis is a treatment to dissolve clots in blood vessels, improve blood flow, and prevent damage to tissues and organs.

Stroke RehabilitationIn stroke rehab, a team of health professionals works with you to regain skills you lost as the result of a stroke.

Living With

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