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What Is a Stroke?

A stroke is the result of a blockage in one or more of the blood vessels in the brain. The blood vessels carry nourishment to the brain cells. When the blood flow is interrupted by a blockage, the brain loses nourishment and oxygen to the cells. The area of the brain affected dies, resulting in a loss or change in body function. Other terms used to describe a stroke are "brain attack," "brain infarction," and "cerebral vascular accident."

According to the American Stroke Association, the warning signs of a stroke are:

• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• sudden, severe headache with no known cause

A minor stroke may also be called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. A TIA is a warning that stroke conditions are present. The warning signs may be those of a stroke. However, these occur for a short time and tend to resolve on their own. Even though the warning symptoms may be mild or disappear, a TIA is a warning sign of a major stroke. If any warning signs occur, call 911. Get medical help immediately.

Stroke risk factors that can be treated are:

• high blood pressure
• heart disease (such as atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease)
• cigarette smoking
• high blood cholesterol and lipids
• physical inactivity
• obesity
• sleep apnea
• transient ischemic attacks
• high red blood cell count
• diabetes mellitus
• carotid artery disease
• sickle cell anemia
• excessive alcohol intake and
• cocaine use

The brain is a complex organ that controls various body functions. The effects of a stroke depend on the location of the blockage and the extent of brain tissue damaged. Brain injury from a stroke can cause paralysis or weakness on one side of the face or body. A stroke can affect the senses, motor activity and speech. Brain attacks can alter behavior, thoughts and memory, and the ability to speak and understand speech.

There are two ways that blood flow to the brain can be impaired. One is from a blocked blood vessel and the other is from a ruptured blood vessel. Treatment depends on the type of brain attack and may include medications, surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.

The effect of a stroke may be lifelong, because brain cells are not replaced. Recovery depends on how much of the brain is damaged. Rehabilitation programs restore function to the part of the body affected. Rehab may include physical therapy to strengthen muscles, occupational therapy to teach such things as dressing and eating, and speech therapy, if needed. The goal is to reduce dependence and improve physical ability. Improvement may take several weeks to up to one year.

For more information, speak with your health care provider. If your health care provider would like to refer you to a cardiologist, ask for a referral to a Saint Vincent Heart Center cardiac specialist. Information is also available by contacting your local chapter of the American Heart Association or call the national office at (800) 242-8721 or visit their website at www.americanheart.org or the National Stroke Association at (800) 787-6537 or visit their website at www.stroke.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. HIL File CARD4291.RF2 VRS# 6101 Data Version 7.0
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