Last Updated on June 3, 2023 by CPR Training

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a brain attack and a medical emergency. It can happen when a blood clot blocks or ruptures a blood vessel in the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. The immediate result is a lack of blood flow to the brain, and brain cells begin to die within minutes without oxygen and nutrients. A stroke can be either “ischemic” or “hemorrhagic,” depending on its cause:

• Ischemic strokes are caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to your brain. This type of stroke happens when a clot forms somewhere in your body and travels to your brain, blocking the artery carrying oxygen-rich blood to your brain tissue.
• Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding into or around brain tissue, which may occur when an artery bursts due to high blood pressure or other factors like atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).

Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

• Warning signs:
• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, loss of balance and coordination
• Sudden severe headache that does not go away

How to Respond to Someone Experiencing a Stroke

If you see someone experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately. If you are with the person experiencing the stroke, try to calm them down and keep them safe until help arrives. Be prepared to perform CPR if needed.

Diagnosing a Stroke

Diagnosing a stroke is a process that involves several steps. First, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Second, they may also perform a physical exam to check for signs of a stroke.

Third, different tests will be used to determine if you have had a stroke. These include:

• Blood tests–to measure blood sugar levels and look for signs of infection or bleeding in the brain
• CT scan (also known as CAT scan)
• MRI scan

Treating a Stroke

Treatment options include:

• Medications.
• Rehabilitation therapy.

Preventing a Stroke

Prevention is the best way to avoid a stroke. Here are some lifestyle changes you can make:

• Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Limit your fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and sugar intake.
• Get regular exercise on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes per session at a moderate intensity (such as brisk walking).
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Stop smoking if you smoke. Control your blood pressure and cholesterol level.

Living with a Stroke

• Staying active. Exercise is essential for everyone, even if you have had a stroke. It will help strengthen your muscles and boost your cardiovascular system. And when you’re in good shape, it’s easier to manage everyday tasks such as cooking or cleaning–which can become more difficult after a stroke.
• Support groups. If you’re looking for emotional support, there are many resources available. There are also support groups specifically for people who have had strokes and their families, which can help them learn how to cope with the long-term effects of stroke.
• Counseling. If someone close to you experiences a stroke, it is important to care for themselves psychologically. Seeking help from a professional can help them navigate through possible post-stroke depression and cognitive changes.
• Socializing with friends and family members. If you live alone or don’t have many friends in your area, consider joining a community group that meets regularly–for example, a knitting club or book club (or both!).

Recovering from a Stroke

After you’ve had a stroke, getting the right kind of care is important. Participating in physical therapy and making lifestyle changes can significantly impact the road to recovery. Below are some helpful changes that can be made in your everyday life.

• Eat healthy foods. These should include plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains (bread, pasta, etc.), lean meats and poultry or vegan-based alternatives.
• Exercise. Options like walking, pilates, yoga, and spin are beneficial. Try to find whatever activity is enjoyable, which will make it easier to commit.
• Don’t smoke cigarettes. They can increase the risk of having another stroke.
• Make sure to get enough rest. Inadequate sleep can extend the recovery process.

Stroke Complications

Stroke complications can range in severity from mild to severe. Some of the most common complications include:

• Vision problems, including blurred vision, or double vision (seeing two images at once).
• Speech problems, such as slurred speech or difficulty swallowing.
• Paralysis on one side of your body (hemiplegia).

Stroke in Children

Stroke in children is rare, but it can happen. A child’s most common stroke symptom is weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. Other symptoms include:

• Confusion
• Trouble speaking and understanding what others say (aphasia)
• Loss of vision in one eye or both eyes.

If you think your child may have had a stroke, call 911 right away. Stroke treatment options for kids are similar to those available for adults–including medications, surgery and rehabilitation therapy. Still, they’re tailored to meet their unique needs as growing bodies change.

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