Stroke

A stroke happens when blood flow and oxygen to the brain is blocked because a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot or breaks. Brain cells start to die and can result in brain damage. A stroke may cause the loss of brain-controlled activities, such as speech, movement and memory.

People who suffer a small stroke may have minor problems later, like weakness in an arm or leg. On the other hand, people who've had a major stroke may be paralyzed or lose their ability to speak. Some people get better, but many have problems that last forever.

A stroke is a serious condition and needs to be treated right away.

Symptoms

Quick treatment lowers the risk of long-term problems or death. Get to know the symptoms including:

• Numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs
• Trouble speaking, confusion or difficulty understanding others
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, problems walking or having a hard time standing up
• Severe headache

A stroke can happen to anyone, but certain things can raise your chance of having a stroke. These include certain conditions, behaviors or family history.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions that increase the risk of a stroke:

• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol 
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Having a previous stroke or TIA ("mini-stroke") 

Behaviors

Behaviors that contribute to stroke include:

• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Lack of exercise 

Family History

Family history can play a role:

• Family history of stroke can increase your chances of having a stroke
• Older people are more likely to have a stroke
• Men are more likely to have a stroke than women 
• Hispanics, African Americans and Indigenous Americans are more likely to have a stroke than Caucasians or Asians.

Sources: American Stroke Association ,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)