Depending upon the amount of blood involved and location of the stroke area in the brain, a person having a stroke can show many signs and symptoms. These can range from barely noticeable difficulties moving or speaking to paralysis or death. Until recently, doctors were unable to do much while a person was having a stroke or immediately afterward. Now however, treatments for the acute event, while it is happening, are available, which makes recognizing strokes and getting immediate care critically important. About 750,000 new strokes occur in the United States each year.
Strokes occur more frequently in older people but can occur at all ages including children.
African Americans are at a higher risk of stroke than whites. Hispanics have an intermediate risk. The TIA, however, is a sign that a larger stroke may occur. With an ischemic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain becomes clogged. With a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain actually bursts or leaks.