Because strokes can damage brain tissue, every minute counts.
Stroke is an emergency.
When symptoms appear call 911 immediately. A stroke usually occurs when the brain does not receive the flow of blood it needs, due to a blockage from a blood clot or clogged blood vessels. Less commonly, stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, resulting in bleeding within or around the surface of the brain. Either type of stroke can affect speech, behavior, thought patterns and memory and may result in permanent brain damage, disability or death. The Warning Signs Of Stroke Stroke symptoms may occur alone or in combination and may last a few minutes or several hours.