Stroke

Why take low-dose aspirin? Good old aspirin, the common pain reliever that has been in our medicine cabinets for almost a century, also has a talent for prevention. For people who have had a heart attack: Aspirin can help ...

"Mini Stroke" (TIA or transient ischemic attack) (Stroke)

What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)? Some people call a transient ischemic attack (TIA) a mini-stroke, because the symptoms are like those of a stroke but do not last long. A TIA happens when blood flow to part of the bra...

Health Tools (Stroke)

Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems. Stroke: Should I...

Organizations (Stroke)

Related Web Site: American Stroke Association This division of the American Heart Association offers support, information, and more. American Stroke Association Related Web Site: National...

Resources (Stroke)

Atrial Fibrillation Brain Aneurysm Care at the End of Life Choosing a Health Care Agent Coronary Artery Disease ...

References (Stroke)

Citations Adams HP Jr, et al. (2007). Guidelines for the early management of adults with ischemic stroke: A guideline from the American Heart Association/American Stroke...

Living and Coping (Stroke)

How soon can I expect to recover after my stroke? How can I find specialists that can help me regain my skills and functions? Is there a recommended diet that I should follow? Is there an exercise program that I should follow? Wi...

Medications (Stroke)

Your doctor will probably prescribe several medicines after you have had a stroke. Medicines to prevent blood clots are typically used, because blood clots can cause TIAs and strokes. The types of medicines that prevent clotting are: ...

Surgery (Stroke)

When surgery is being considered after a stroke, your age, prior overall health, and current condition are major factors in the decision. Surgery for ischemic stroke If you have significant blockage in the caro...

Other Treatment (Stroke)

Stroke rehabilitation (rehab) is a critical part of a successful recovery. Early rehab, begun as soon as possible after the stroke, helps to reduce dependence on others. Most recovery occurs during the first 3 months after a stroke but ma...

Thrombolysis (Stroke)

Thrombolysis, also known as thrombolytic therapy, is a treatment to dissolve dangerous clots in blood vessels, improve blood flow, and prevent damage to tissues and organs. Thrombolysis may involve the injection of clot-busting drugs through an intra...

Home Treatment (Stroke)

After a stroke, home treatment will be an important part of your rehabilitation. You may need to use assistive devices to help you: Eat. Large-handled silverware can be easier to grab and use if you h...

Treatment (Stroke)

Initial treatment for a stroke happens in the hospital. The sooner you get treatment, the better. The worst damage from a stroke often occurs within the first few hours. The faster you receive treatment, the less damage will occur. In ...

Diagnosis (Stroke)

Time is critical when diagnosing a stroke. A quick diagnosis-the sooner, the better-may enable your doctor to use medicines that can lead to a better recovery. The first priority will be to determine whether you are having an ischemi...

When to Call A Doctor (Stroke)

Call911or other emergency services immediately if you have signs of a stroke: Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body. Sudden vision change...

Symptoms (Stroke)

If you have symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or other emergency services right away. General symptoms of a stroke include: Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one...

What Increases Your Risk for Stroke (Stroke)

Risk factors for stroke include those you can treat or change and those you can't change. Risk factors you can treat or change: High blood pressure (hypertension). ...

Prevention (Stroke)

You can help prevent a stroke if you control risk factors and treat other medical conditions that can lead to a stroke. And if you have already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), you can prevent another stroke i...

Causes (Stroke)

Causes of ischemic stroke An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain. A blood clot can develop in a narrowed artery that supplies the brain or can travel from the heart (or elsewhere in the bod...

What Happens During a Stroke (Stroke)

When you have an ischemic stroke, the oxygen-rich blood supply to part of your brain is reduced. With a hemorrhagic stroke, there is bleeding in the brain. After about 4 minutes without blood and oxygen, brain cel...

What Is Stroke? (Stroke)

What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain ...