An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced,
preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.
A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage
and other complications.
The good news is that many fewer Americans die of stroke now than in the past. Effective treatments can
also help prevent disability from stroke.
If you or someone you’re with may be having a stroke, pay particular attention to the time the symptoms
began. Some treatment options are most effective when given soon after a stroke begins.
Signs and symptoms of stroke include:
- Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying. You may experience
confusion, slur words or have difficulty understanding speech.
- Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg.You may develop sudden numbness,
weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of the body. Try to
raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a
stroke. Also, one side of your mouth may droop when you try to smile.
- Problems seeing in one or both eyes. You may suddenly have blurred or blackened
vision in one or both eyes, or you may see double.
- Headache. A sudden, severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting,
dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate that you’re having a stroke.
- Trouble walking. You may stumble or lose your balance. You may also have sudden
dizziness or a loss of coordination.