A sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain — a medical emergency where every minute of delay matters.
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, either by a blockage (the most common type) or a bleed. Brain cells begin to die within minutes of losing blood supply, which is why stroke is treated as a race against time — the faster treatment begins, the more brain function can potentially be saved.
The biggest risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and irregular heart rhythms, many of which are the same risk factors as heart disease. Age raises risk too, though stroke can happen at any age, particularly when several risk factors combine.
Treatment options depend heavily on how quickly a person reaches care and what type of stroke has occurred, which is why immediate emergency assessment is critical rather than waiting to see if symptoms improve. After the acute phase, rehabilitation — physical, speech and occupational therapy — plays a major role in recovery.
Call for emergency care immediately if: you notice face drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty — do not wait to see if it passes.
