Stroke

A stroke happens when part of your brain is suddenly deprived of blood. The most common type — an ischemic stroke — occurs when a clot blocks an artery supplying the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into surrounding brain tissue. In both cases, the affected brain cells begin to lose function rapidly.

The symptoms can feel sudden and alarming: one side of the face drooping, an arm that won't lift, slurred or confused speech, sudden vision problems, or a severe headache unlike any you have had before. The FAST acronym — Face, Arms, Speech, Time — is a widely taught way to recognize and act on these signs quickly. Every minute matters, because treatments like clot-dissolving medication are most effective when given as soon as possible after symptoms begin.

Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, smoking, diabetes, and a history of vascular disease. Many strokes are preventable through managing these conditions. Women also face stroke risks tied to pregnancy, birth control pills, and migraine with aura, making awareness especially important across all stages of life.

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and a major cause of death. Yet a large proportion of strokes are preventable — and for those that do occur, fast action dramatically improves outcomes. Clot-dissolving treatment given within hours of an ischemic stroke can restore blood flow and reduce the extent of brain damage.

Understanding your personal risk factors and the warning signs puts you in a much stronger position. If you or someone near you experiences sudden face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty, calling emergency services immediately is the most important step you can take.