Acute numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Stroke and TIA warning signs are the same, and include the sudden or intermittent development of: But TIAs are considered warnings that indicate greater risk for a stroke, and need to be evaluated by a physician immediately. TIAs are caused by a temporary decrease in the supply of blood to part of the brain, and do not leave obvious lasting effects.

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs): Often called mini-strokes, TIAs are actually short episodes of stroke symptoms, often lasting only a few minutes.

Approximately 15% of all strokes are caused by hemorrhage. Hemorrhages may occur within the brain itself, or in the space between the brain and its protective outer layer. Such ruptures can be caused by an aneurysm (a thin, weak area on an artery wall) or by a malformation of the brain’s blood vessel system. This type of stroke is caused by a leak or rupture of an artery in the brain or on its surface.

Hemorrhagic stroke: Hemorrhage means bleeding.

A common source is an abnormal rhythm in the heart’s two upper chambers ( atrial fibrillation), which may cause clots to form.

Embolic stroke: A blockage caused by blood clots that form elsewhere in the body (usually the heart) and travel to the brain.

These arteries may have a build-up of fatty deposits called plaques.

Thrombotic stroke: A blood clot (thrombus) forms in an artery in the neck or brain.

The most common ischemic stroke subtypes are: Fortunately, preventative treatments are effective for all types of ischemic stroke. Despite extensive evaluation, many strokes of this type are of unknown etiology.

Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blockage in an artery, is responsible for about 85% of all strokes.

Many years ago strokes were believed to be untreatable, but this is no longer the case, especially with newer techniques now available. There are an estimated 6.5 million stroke survivors living in the U.S.

Strokes strike nearly 800,000 Americans each year-killing approximately 137,000 and forever altering the lives of those who survive.

Stroke, often called a “brain attack,” is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. For that reason, a stroke is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

The brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, and brain cells begin to die within minutes. A stroke is an injury to the brain caused when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted or greatly reduced.

After effects of a stroke