The blood clot or broken blood vessel causes part of the brain to suddenly not work. The brain needs oxygen and important nutrients. Without these, the brain cells in the affected area are harmed or they die within a few minutes. This can cause permanent damage.

There are 3 main types of strokes: thrombotic, embolic, and hemorrhagic.

• A thrombotic stroke is caused by fatty deposits called plaques that have built up in the arteries carrying blood to the brain. These deposits slow the blood flow until a blood clot completely blocks an artery. This stops the flow of oxygen and nutrients to a part of the brain.
• An embolic stroke is caused by a blood clot that forms in another part of the body. The clot breaks loose, travels through the bloodstream, and blocks an artery carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When traveling through the body, the blood clot is called an embolus.
• A hemorrhagic stroke is caused when an artery breaks and bleeds into the brain. The broken blood vessel prevents needed oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain cells. Because the skull cannot stretch outward, pressure can build up inside the head from the leaked blood. This leads to more damage to the brain. One type of hemorrhagic stroke is caused when an artery that has weakened over time bulges (aneurysm) and suddenly breaks.

Numbness or tingling on one side of the body is a symptom of a stroke. Another symptom is a sudden severe headache that happens for no reason. Other symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty talking, stumbling, or sudden clumsiness. Sometimes a mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) happens before a stroke. A mini-stroke lasts for only a few minutes.

A stroke is a medical emergency. You should get medical care right away. Research shows that treatment during the first hours after symptoms appear can help you recover from it. F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember and identify some common symptoms of a stroke. F - Face: Does one side of the face droop when trying to smile? A - Arms: Does one arm drift downward when raising both arms? S - Speech: Is there a change in speech or slurred speech? T - Time: If any of these signs are present, call 911 right away.

It’s important to know what makes you more likely to have a stroke. Taking steps to lower your risk is an important step in preventing a stroke. The conditions leading to a stroke develop over many years. Risk factors or conditions that may lead to stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, heart disease, and diabetes. The risk of stroke goes up with age. It is also higher in Blacks and Hispanics than in whites.

Have your blood pressure checked often. If it is high, follow your doctor's advice on how to lower it. Treating high blood pressure lowers the risk for both stroke and heart disease. Cigarette smoking makes it more likely that you will have a stroke. But research shows that the risk for stroke for people who have quit smoking for 2 to 5 years is lower than for smokers. It is never too late to quit smoking.

Researchers think that exercise may make your heart stronger and your circulation better. It also helps control weight. Being overweight makes it more likely for you to have high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Exercise like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and yard work lowers the risk for both stroke and heart disease. Talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Some people get better within weeks after a stroke. Other people may need many months or years to get better. Stroke rehabilitation includes many kinds of therapies:

• Physical therapy to make your muscles stronger and balance and coordination better
• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy to help your eye-hand coordination and the skills needed for daily tasks such as bathing and cooking