Signs of Stroke

Educational Materials for Patients


Emergency Examination and Treatment for TIA or Stroke: What You Should Know

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Your doctor in the emergency department believes that you may be having a TIA (transient ischemic attack) or a stroke. These conditions occur when the blood flow to your brain is blocked and your brain does not get enough oxygen.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA): What You Should Know

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tPA is a medication that dissolves blood clots. It is called a thrombolytic agent or more commonly referred to as the "clot buster." It is an intravenous or IV medication usually given through a catheter inserted into a vein in the arm.




Let's Talk About Stroke, TIA and Warning Signs

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Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in America. It occurs when a blood vessel bringing blood and oxygen to the brain gets blocked or ruptures and brain cells don't get the flow of blood that they need.

Let's Talk About Risk Factors for Stroke

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Knowing your risk for stroke is the first step in preventing stroke. You can change or treat some risk factors, but others you can't. By having regular medical checkups and knowing your risk, you can focus on what you can change and lower your risk of stroke.

Let's Talk About Hemorrhagic Strokes

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Not all strokes are caused by blood clots that block an artery. About 13 percent happen when a blood vessel ruptures in or near the brain. This is called a hemorrhagic stroke.

Let's Talk About Ischemic Strokes

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One way a stroke occurs is that blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits called plaque, cutting off blood flow to brain cells. A stroke caused by lack of blood reaching part of the brain is called an ischemic stroke.

Let's Talk About Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents

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Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are medicines that interfere with the blood's ability to clot in an artery, vein or the heart. Doctors use them to help patients prevent strokes caused by a blood clot.

Let's Talk About Carotid Endarterectomy

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The major blood supply to the brain travels through a pair of arteries (carotid arteries) on each side of the neck. Sometimes cholesterol plaques form in these arteries. This reduces the blood supply to the brain and increases the risk that a clot can block blood flow. When this happens, people experience symptoms of stroke.

Let's Talk About Children and Stroke

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Even though it's considered an older person's disease, stroke is a potential risk for everyone, including children. If you think your child may be having a stroke, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital emergency department right away.

Let's Talk About High Blood Pressure and Stroke

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High blood pressure means that the force of the blood pushing against the sides of your arteries is consistently in the high range. This is not normal. It can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure.

Let's Talk About Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Stroke

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You can do plenty to make your heart and blood vessels healthy, even if you've had a stroke. A healthy lifestyle plays a big part in decreasing disability and death from stroke and heart attack.