A stroke or a brain attack occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or when a blood vessel bursts, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood vessel is blocked. This is the most common type of stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke (brain bleed) occurs when a blood vessels breaks. This type of stroke is less common.
The brain needs oxygen in the blood to survive, when the blood flow is disrupted, the cells in the part of the brain that were receiving this blood can die. These cells usually die within minutes to a few hours after the stroke starts. When cells die, chemicals are released that can cause even more cells to die. This is why there is a small window of opportunity for treatment of ischemic stroke.
The most important thing to remember is that the earlier a stroke victim gets to the emergency department, the better the chance that they will be able to receive treatment that stops or reduces the amount of brain damage from the stroke.
When brain cells die, functions that were under control of the dying brain are lost. These include functions such as language, speech, movement, and sensation. The specific abilities lost or affected depend on where in the brain the stroke occurs and on the size of the stroke.
For example, someone who has a small stroke may experience only minor effects such as weakness of an arm or leg. On the other hand, someone who has a larger stroke may be left paralyzed on one side or lose his/her ability to express and process language. Some people recover completely from less serious strokes, while other individuals lose their lives to very severe strokes.
Risk factors are medical conditions or lifestyle practices that can increase one’s chance of having a stroke. Risk factors can be modifiable (things we can change) or non-modifiable (things we cannot change).
Global map showing lifetime risk of stroke occurrence (in %), both sexes combined, 2016. Source: N Engl J Med. 2018 Dec 20; 379(25): 2429–2437. Published online 2018 Dec 20. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1804492
Other important but less common stroke symptoms:
New Acronym Identifies Signs of Stroke for Hispanic Community
The only FDA approved treatment for ischemic stroke is a medication called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This “brain saving” treatment dissolves the clot that is causing the stroke. This medication can only be given through an IV given within 4.5 hours after a stroke begins. The sooner the medicine is given, the better the chances of restoring oxygen to the dying brain in time to prevent more damage. Depending on the type of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke that occurs, there are different options for treatment including surgery.
Strokes are preventable. It is estimated that up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors. When a person has a stroke, their risk of having another stroke is increased. When a person is treated for a stroke, medications and recommendations are given to prevent further strokes.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when there is momentary loss of blood flow to an area of the brain. Because the blood flow is restored on its own, the symptoms of stroke go away on their own after minutes to hours. A TIA is a sign that a stroke may occur and is therefore as dangerous as a stroke. We avoid the use of the term “mini-stroke” because it minimizes the importance of a TIA. There is a high risk of stroke in the days, weeks, and months after a TIA. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as signs of the TIA occur. The signs of TIA and risk factors for TIA are the same as for stroke. A stroke can be prevented if risk factors are adequately assessed and managed after a TIA occurs.
The STEP clinic was developed in order to address the multiple needs of patients and caregivers after a stroke or TIA occurs. The clinic takes an integrated approach to post-stroke care by providing education, risk factor screening and management, and assessment and treatment of post-stroke complication. We also connect patients and caregivers to our partner clinics, community programs, and community resources that help address post-stroke needs.
Anjail Sharrief, MD / MPH
Stroke Prevention Division Lead Director
Stroke Transitions Education and Prevention Clinic
Munachi Okpala, RN NP
Stroke Clinic Nurse Practitioner
Community Outreach Organizer
Visit our Clinical Stroke Services page for more resources and information.
Connect with The Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases