What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when an area of the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood to function properly. As a result, cells in the affected part of the brain no longer work. The loss of too many brain cells can cause permanent damage to your physical, cognitive and emotional health, including paralysis and memory loss. Strokes can also be fatal. If you or someone around you may be having a stroke, call 911 right away. A stroke needs immediate attention. Quick treatment can save a life and reduce the risk of serious complications. Don’t wait—every second matters.
Take our quiz to learn about your stroke risk and how to reduce it
Stroke symptoms
Stroke symptoms can affect your whole body, and they often occur without warning. The symptoms you experience depend on the area of the brain affected and the bodily functions that area controls.
In general, the sudden appearance of any one or combination of the following symptoms may indicate a stroke:
- Blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking or understanding others’ speech
- Facial drooping
- Intense headache
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
When to see a doctor
If you or someone else experiences stroke symptoms, even if they come and go, seek medical help immediately. Every second counts.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, B.E. F.A.S.T. and do the following test:
- Balance: Ask the person to stand. Look for sudden loss of balance or coordination.
- Eyes: Ask if they are experiencing double vision, blurriness, or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Look for a droop on one or both sides of the face.
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Look for one arm to drift downward or feel weak.
- Speech: Ask for the person to speak. Listen for slurred speech or difficulty finding words.
- Time: Call 911 right away. Note the time symptoms started—this helps doctors decide on the best treatment.
Ask the Expert: Stroke causes and risk factors
What causes a stroke? Can diabetes increase stroke risk? Do you know what to do if someone is having a stroke?
Lauren Fournier, MD, vascular neurologist on the Baylor Scott & White medical staff, answers common questions about stroke and shares signs of stroke to look for.
How is a stroke diagnosed?
Calling 911 is the most effective way to ensure doctors can diagnose a stroke and start treatment as quickly as possible. When you arrive in the emergency department, a team that includes an emergency medicine physician, neurologist and other providers will diagnose a stroke by looking at your symptoms, medical history and results from tests and exams. They will determine the type of stroke, what caused it, which part of your brain was affected, and whether there was any bleeding. If you’ve had a transient ischemic attack (TIA), your doctor will investigate the cause to help prevent a stroke in the future.
