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# Know Stroke. Know the Signs. Act in Time.

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### Table of Contents 

Know Stroke              - What is a stroke?
              - What causes a stroke?
              - What disabilities can result from a stroke? Know the Signs
              - What are the symptoms of a stroke?
              - What should a bystander do? Act in Time
              - Why is there a need to act fast?
              - What is the benefit of treatment?
              - What can I do to prevent a stroke?  Related NINDS Publications and Information 

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### Know Stroke

Know Stroke videoRealPlayer

##### What is a stroke?

A stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When a stroke occurs, brain                              cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function.                           

##### What causes a stroke?

There are two major kinds of stroke.

The first, called an ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel or artery in the brain.                              About 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic. The second, known as a hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel in the                              brain that breaks and bleeds into the brain. About 20 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic.                           

##### What disabilities can result from a stroke?

Although stroke is a disease of the brain, it can affect the entire body. The effects of a stroke range from mild to severe                              and can include paralysis, problems with thinking, problems with speaking, and emotional problems. Patients may also experience                              pain or numbness after a stroke.                           

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### Know the Signs

Because stroke injures the brain, you may not realize that you are having a stroke. To a bystander, someone having a stroke                              may just look unaware or confused. Stroke victims have the best chance if someone around them recognizes the symptoms and                              acts quickly.                           

##### What are the symptoms of a stroke?

The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:
              - Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
              - Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
              - Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
              - Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
              - Sudden severe headache with no known cause

##### What should a bystander do?

If you believe someone is having a stroke – if he or she suddenly loses the ability to speak, or move an arm or leg on one                              side, or experiences facial paralysis on one side – call 911 immediately.                           

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### Act in Time

Stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke. The longer blood flow is cut off to the                              brain, the greater the damage. Immediate treatment can save people's lives and enhance their chances for successful recovery.

 

##### Why is there a need to act fast?

Ischemic strokes, the most common type of strokes, can be treated with a drug called t-PA, that dissolves blood clots obstructing                              blood flow to the brain. The window of opportunity to start treating stroke patients is three hours, but to be evaluated and                              receive treatment, patients need to get to the hospital within 60 minutes.                           

##### What is the benefit of treatment?

A five-year study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) found that some stroke patients who                              received t-PA within three hours of the start of stroke symptoms were at least 30 percent more likely to recover with little                              or no disability after three months.                           

##### What can I do to prevent a stroke?

              - High blood pressure
              - Heart disease
              - Smoking
              - Diabetes
              - High cholesterol

If you smoke – quit. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, getting them under control                              – and keeping them under control – will greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke.                           

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#### Glossary

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#### Appendix

*Return to Table of Contents*

                           "Know Stroke. Know the Signs. Act in Time.", NINDS.                             January 2008.

                           NIH Publication No.                            08-4872                        

                           Back to                            Stroke Information Page.				                                                   

                           Prepared by:                           Office of Communications and Public Liaison                           National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke                           National Institutes of Health                           Bethesda, MD 20892                                                   

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by                           or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice                           on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined                           that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.                        

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

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