Stroke Facts: Quick Access to Life-Saving Knowledge

A stroke is a medical emergency that can change lives in an instant. Stroke can happen to anyone — at any age, any time. Acting fast and getting immediate medical help is the key to recovery and reducing long-term damage.

What is a stroke?

A stroke, often called a “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked by a clot or when a blood vessel bursts (or ruptures). Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and when part of the brain can’t get the blood and oxygen it needs, brain cells begin to die within minutes.

What causes a stroke?

All strokes have underlying causes. Most strokes are caused by other conditions called risk factors. The most common risk factors for strokes are well known and are treatable. These include conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity. Because of research studies, we also know that there are factors that can’t be controlled, such as increasing age, race, ethnicity, family history and previous stroke, TIA or heart attack.

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What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Stroke can happen to anyone — at any age, any time — and everyone needs to know the warning signs. If you are having stroke symptoms or notice stroke symptoms in someone else, ACT FAST AND CALL 911. Time loss leads to more brain loss.

FAST warning signs decorative image

Use the letters in the F.A.S.T. Warning Signs of Stroke to spot a stroke

F = Face Drooping — Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness — Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty — Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T = Time to call 911 — Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.

Be prepared — Learn more about the stroke warning signs and symptoms

Watch the Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T video

What are the stroke risk factors?

Stroke risk factors are traits, conditions, and lifestyle habits that increase your chances of having a stroke. Some risk factors are uncontrollable — such as age, family history of stroke, sex, race, and certain genetic conditions. Others are controllable, meaning they can be changed, treated, or improved. These include managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity, and excessive alcohol use. Understanding both types of risk factors helps you focus on what you can improve to lower your overall stroke risk.

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Stroke Risk Assessment - click to download PDF

What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to part of the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that usually last from only a few minutes up to 24 hours. The clot usually dissolves on its own or gets dislodged. TIAs are often called a “mini-stroke” but a more appropriate term would be a “warning stroke”. Although TIAs don’t cause permanent brain damage, they should be taken seriously because they signal a possible full-blown stroke ahead.

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Learn more about TIA and its treatment

Ischemic Stroke graphic

What is an ischemic stroke?

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked, usually by a blood clot or buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in an artery. This blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain tissue, and the brain cells begin to die.

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Learn more about ischemic stroke and its treatment

Ischemic Stroke graphic

What is a hemorrhagic stroke?

Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. This bleeding increases pressure inside the skull and deprives brain cells of oxygen, leading to damage.

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Learn more about hemorrhagic stroke and its treatment

Hemmorrhagic Stroke graphic

What is a cryptogenic stroke?

A cryptogenic stroke is a type of ischemic stroke where the exact cause can’t be determined, even after thorough medical testing.

Learn more about cryptogenic stroke and its treatment

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How long does recovery from stroke take?

Recovery after a stroke will vary from person to person. But the following phases of stroke recovery will apply to everyone:

Hyperacute (first 24-72 hours)

Immediate treatment with focus on stabilizing the patient, restoring blood flow and reducing brain damage.

Acute (few days to about 1 week)

Hospital stays usually around 5-7 days. Early rehabilitation often begins within 24 hours, including physical, occupational and speech therapies.

Subacute (weeks 1-12)

This is the time when most recovery occurs and intensive rehabilitation programs produce significant gains in movement, speech and cognition.

Late subacute to chronic (3-6 months and beyond)

Although improvement rates may slow down, additional improvements are possible with ongoing therapy. Many survivors of stroke continue to make progress well beyond six months, with progress that can occur for years after.

Recovery duration will depend on several factors:

Stroke type and severity
Location and size of brain injury
How quickly treatment began
Age, your overall health and presence of other conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
Access to rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation is the key to post-stroke recovery. The right program can help you regain independence.

Learn more about stroke recovery