A stroke is a sudden disruption in blood flow to the brain caused by a blockage of a blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or bleeding of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Areas of the brain that are affected by the blockage or bleeding can become damaged within minutes. The effects of a stroke may be mild or severe and...
A stroke is damage to the brain that happens when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. Then the part of the body controlled by that area of the brain can't work properly. Brain damage can start within minutes of a stroke. But quick...
Several types of strokes can strike the brain with little warning—but you can cut your risk for future strokes. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Modify your diet Reduce stroke risk by eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish . Steer clear of smoke...
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. All rights reserved. Figure 1 is a top view of the brain that shows normal tissue. Figure 2 is a similar view that shows abnormal tissue caused by a stroke.
Guides through the decision to have a carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting to prevent stroke if you have not already had a stroke or TIA. Lists pros and cons. Explains risks. Looks at other treatments. Has interactive tool to help you decide.
Some people have trouble swallowing, called dysphagia, after a stroke. You may not be able to feel food on one or both sides of your mouth. You may also have problems chewing or producing enough saliva. Or you may have other conditions that make eating difficult and increase your risk of choking or breathing in food or...
Getting better after a stroke takes patience and effort. See how others found inspiration to keep going.
Get help thinking about ways to stay positive and hopeful after a stroke.
How does stroke rehabilitation (rehab) help you get better after a stroke? The best way to get better after a stroke is to start stroke rehabilitation (rehab). The goal of stroke rehab is to help you recover, prevent problems, and regain skills you may have lost or to make the most of your remaining abilities. Stroke...
Stroke rehabilitation is training and therapy that helps a person recover, prevent problems, regain function, and learn new ways of doing daily activities. The focus of your rehab will depend on how the stroke has affected your ability to do the things you want and need to do. A rehab team that includes doctors and...
Symptoms of a stroke may include: Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body. Sudden vision changes. Sudden trouble speaking. Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements. Sudden problems with walking or balance. A sudden, severe...
Depending on what part of the brain was affected, a person may not act the same after a stroke as they acted before the stroke. In some cases, these behavior changes may be the result of an emotional or psychological problem. But they might also be linked to: A memory problem. For example, someone may need reminders to...
Urinary incontinence Some people who have a stroke suffer loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) after the stroke. But this is usually temporary. And it can have many causes, including infection, constipation, and the effects of medicines. If you have problems controlling your bladder, your doctor may: Test a...
After a stroke, some people feel like they have lost control of their emotions. These feelings can come from one or both of two causes. A stroke can affect parts of the brain that control how you feel. You may have emotional reactions that are different from your normal ones. For example, you may have fits of crying or...
The problems you have after a stroke depend on what part of your brain was affected and how much damage the stroke caused. They may include problems with: Movement and senses. You may have trouble walking, grasping objects, or doing other tasks. Other symptoms may include joint pain or muscle stiffness or spasms. You...
It is common to feel sad about changes caused by the stroke. Sometimes the injury to the brain from the stroke can cause depression. If you think you might be depressed, tell your doctor right away. The sooner you know if you are depressed, the sooner you can get treatment. Treatment can help you feel better. Your...
Learn the definition of a stroke.
A stroke often affects movement and use of one side of the body, so getting dressed is often difficult for people after a stroke. Your stroke rehab team can suggest things that can help you. But here are some tips to make getting dressed easier. Use assistive devices that may help you dress. Getting dressed may be...
After a stroke, people feel lots of different emotions. Some people are worried that they could have another stroke. Or they may feel overwhelmed by how much there is to learn and do. Some people feel sad or depressed. No matter what emotions you are feeling, you can give yourself some control and peace of mind by...
Learn how to recognize stroke symptoms and know when to call for emergency services.
A stroke often causes memory problems. If a person has problems with memory, you might get helpful tips from their stroke rehab team. These tips may include: Set a daily routine, if possible. Warn the person about upcoming changes in routine. Someone who has had a stroke may be very sensitive to minor changes in the...
When a stroke occurs on the right side of the brain, a person's ability to judge distance, size, position, rate of movement, form, and the way parts relate to the whole is affected (spatial-perceptual problems). People with these problems may have more trouble learning to care for themselves. Signs of perception...
After a stroke, you may not feel temperature, touch, pain, or sharpness on one side of your body. This may lead to injuries such as: Cuts and scratches. These can happen if your nails aren't kept short and smooth. For example, if you can't feel sensations in your feet, you won't know if your toenail is cutting into your...
Some people who have had a stroke ignore or are not aware of one side of their body. This can happen when the stroke damages one side of the brain. Caregivers may notice signs that the person is ignoring, or neglecting, the affected side, such as: Mentioning or responding to stimulation only on the unaffected side of...
Some people have speech and language problems after a stroke. Their ability to speak, read, or write may be affected. Also, they may not be able to understand what someone else is saying. Trouble communicating can be very frustrating. When you talk to someone who's had a stroke, be understanding and supportive. You...
Learn the symptoms of stroke and why it's important to call emergency services right away.
Learn about the range of emotions you may experience after you've had a stroke.
Learn how stroke rehab works and how it can help you get stronger and feel better.
Learn about some of the risk factors for stroke and find out how to help reduce stroke risk.
Your stroke rehab team will include doctors and nurses who specialize in stroke rehab, as well as other professionals. Each team member will help you in specific ways. The team may include the following professionals. Rehab doctor A rehab doctor is a specialist in charge of your rehab program. The doctor may also work...
