Stroke

Every part of your body, including your heart and your brain, needs oxygen to work. Oxygen is carried in the blood. Blood vessels called arteries carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Both heart attack and stroke are due to problems in the arteries. The same factors that cause heart disease can make you more likely to have a stroke.

Most strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies the brain. They can also occur if a blood vessel in the brain ruptures (bursts open).

A TIA (transient ischemic attack) is an early warning that a stroke (also called a brain attack) is coming. A TIA is a temporary stroke. It causes no lasting damage. But the effects of a stroke, if it happens, can be very serious and lasting. Here are symptoms to watch for.

Each day that your blood pressure is too high, your chances of having a stroke are increased.

The brain needs a constant supply of blood to work. During a stroke, blood stops flowing to part of the brain.

Certain health and lifestyle issues - called risk factors - increase your chances of having a stroke. This page helps you identify which risk factors you have.

A stroke requires immediate medical attention. Know the signs of stroke.

Breaking old habits can be hard. But when your health is at stake, it's never too late to make changes for the better. Some lifestyle changes might be easy for you. Others might be tough.

Strokes disproportionately affect Hispanic Americans. Understanding your risk and doing what you can to lower it can help prevent strokes.

After a stroke, a person may have trouble using all or part of the body. Improving posture, range of motion, and strength are early goals.

Tests that may be used to help diagnose a stroke include a CT scan or MRI, and an electroencephalogram.

Watch this video to learn about the range of emotions you may experience after having a stroke.

When blood supply is cut off from the brain, cells start to die from lack of oxygen. Within minutes, skills such as reasoning, speech, and movement of the arm, leg, or face may be affected. The type of skills and the amount of loss depend on which part of the brain was affected, and how much tissue was damaged.

When your loved one returns home, you'll both need time to adjust. Here are tips for home care.

After being released from rehab, your loved one may need ongoing therapy or nursing care. Talk with a social worker or case manager about planning for care and local sources of support.

Performing your routine tasks may be difficult after you've had a stroke (brain attack). But many people can learn ways to manage their daily activities.

Endarterectomy is the removal of plaque from the carotid artery through an incision in the neck. This surgery has a low risk of stroke or complication (1% to 3%). It typically involves a quick recovery with little pain.

Here's how to care for yourself at home when you've been diagnosed with a stroke or you have a high risk for stroke.

A helpful guide to understanding stroke rehab programs.

Rehab services are provided in many different places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Read on to learn about what to look for when choosing a rehab facility and services.

If your loved one has had a stroke, you may be wondering:How can I communicate with my loved one? Having a stroke can make people struggle with things like talking, listening, reading, and writing. So you might have to communicate with your loved one differently.

People who have had strokes often experience side effects like paralysis, memory loss, and behavior changes. But almost two-thirds of stroke survivors have vision problems, too. This is particularly likely to occur if a stroke happens toward the back of the brain, where it processes vision.