If enough brain cells in an area die, the damage becomes permanent, and you may lose the abilities that area once controlled. If your brain cells go too long without oxygen, they’ll die. Without oxygen, the affected brain cells become oxygen-starved and stop working properly. When you have a stroke, part of your brain loses its blood supply, which keeps that brain area from getting oxygen.

Strokes are to your brain what a heart attack is to your heart. Strokes are also a leading cause of disability worldwide. In the United States, stroke is the fifth cause of death. Worldwide, strokes rank second among the top causes of death. There are also certain medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke, including high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), Type 2 diabetes, and people who have a history of stroke, heart attack or irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation. Strokes are more common later in life (about two-thirds of strokes happen in people over age 65). Telling a healthcare provider when symptoms started can help the provider know what treatment options are best for you.Īnybody can have a stroke, from children to adults, but there are some people who have a greater risk than others. Time is critical, so don’t wait to get help! If possible, look at your watch or a clock and remember when symptoms start. They might slur their speech or have trouble choosing the right words. Strokes often cause a person to lose their ability to speak. If they have one-sided weakness (and didn’t have it before), one arm will stay higher while the other will sag and drop downward. A person having a stroke often has muscle weakness on one side. Look for a droop on one or both sides of their face, which is a sign of muscle weakness or paralysis. Look out for sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Be watchful for a sudden loss of balance. To recognize the warning signs of a stroke, remember to think BE FAST: The quicker stroke is treated, the more likely you’ll recover without disability. If you or someone with you has symptoms of a stroke, IMMEDIATELY call 911 (or your local emergency services number).

IMPORTANT: A stroke is a life-threatening emergency condition where every second counts. Without a steady supply of blood, the brain cells in that area start to die from a lack of oxygen. This most commonly happens because of a blocked artery or bleeding in your brain. What is a stroke?Ī stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when part of your brain doesn’t have enough blood flow. Learn what to do if you or a loved one is having a stroke.

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