Why Strokes Happen and How To Spot Them

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, and every four minutes, a person dies from it. Learning about the signs of a stroke and what to do in an emergency can help you get immediate care for yourself or a loved one.

Why do strokes happen?

The brain needs a constant supply of blood, which carries the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. “A stroke occurs when blood vessels that carry blood to the brain from the heart are either blocked or burst, causing a leak. As a result, part of the brain does not get the blood needed, and the tissue begins to die,” shares Mouhammad Jumaa, MD, a neurologist with ProMedica Physicians Neurology – Toledo.

What are the types of stroke?

There are three types of strokes:

Ischemic stroke: The most common type of stroke, it occurs when blood clots or other particles block or narrow the blood vessels to the brain, causing reduced blood flow.

Hemorrhagic stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain, leading to leakage of blood. It can be caused by an array of factors, such as trauma to the head and bulges at weak spots in blood vessel walls (aneurysms).

Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Also known as a mini-stroke, a TIA is a brief interruption of blood flow caused by a clot or debris, and may be a warning sign of a future full-blown stroke. A TIA may only last a few minutes and typically does not cause permanent damage.

Signs of a Stroke

Stroke causes a sudden onset of neurological deficit, such as paralysis, numbness, or loss of vision on one side of the body. Other signs could be sudden onset of imbalance, vertigo, double vision or an inability to communicate. A sudden, severe, or unusual headache (like a thunderclap) could be a sign of a bleeding, or hemorrhagic, stroke.

“Stroke symptoms can appear quickly, making early detection and medical attention imperative to lessen the chances of disability or even death,” Dr. Jumaa shares.

One helpful acronym to remember for recognizing a suspected stroke is BE FAST:

• Balance difficulties and dizziness.
• Eyesight changes (blurry or double vision).
• Face drooping or numbness (the smile may look uneven).
• Arm weakness (when a person lifts both arms at once, one of them may drift downward).
• Speech difficulty or trouble repeating a sentence.
• Time to call 911. Call 911 immediately and make note of when the symptoms first appeared.

What To Do When Someone Has a Stroke

With every minute being critical, do not drive to the hospital. Call 911 immediately and let the dispatcher know the person has stroke-like symptoms. Emergency medical personnel can assess the situation better, start therapy if needed and even call the ER ahead of time to let them know they’re coming.

Stay calm and give CPR if the person does not have a pulse or stops breathing. It is important to remember that you should not give someone with stroke symptoms any medication, food or beverages. Strokes can cause the loss of muscle control in the face and neck, which can increase the risk of choking.

What increases your risk of having a stroke?

Strokes can occur at any age. According to the CDC, incidents of stroke among people ages 18 to 44 have increased 14.6% in less than 10 years. The great news is that stroke can be preventable. Certain behaviors can help reduce one’s overall risk for stroke.

“Quitting smoking is one of the most important things someone can do to prevent a possible stroke. Smoking doubles the risk of having a stroke. Otherwise, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle with normal weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help immensely,” Dr. Jumaa shares.

Seconds matter when stroke-like symptoms are present. Remember to BE FAST and seek immediate medical attention.

Mouhammad Jumaa, MD
Dr. Jumma is a a neurologist with ProMedica Physicians Neurology – Toledo. View his profile.