A stroke occurs when an artery to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures, resulting in death of an area of brain tissue (cerebral infarction) and causing sudden symptoms.
* Most strokes are ischemic (usually due to blockage of an artery), but some are hemorrhagic (due to rupture of an artery).
* Transient ischemic attacks resemble ischemic strokes except the symptoms resolve within 1 hour.
* Symptoms occur suddenly and can include muscle weakness, paralysis, abnormal or lost sensation on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion, problems with vision, dizziness, and loss of balance and coordination.
* Diagnosis is based on symptoms, but imaging and blood tests are also done.
* Recovery after a stroke depends on many factors, such as the location and amount of damage, the person's age, and the presence of other disorders.
* Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar levels and not smoking help prevent strokes.
* Treatment may include drugs to make blood less likely to clot or to break up clots and sometimes surgery.