What Is a Stroke?

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Stroke

Strokes are the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability among Americans. Though someone in the United States has a stroke every 45 seconds, great strides have been made in preventing and treating them. In this Web guide you’ll find information about strokes from the Web’s most respected consumer health Web sites and stroke foundations.

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What Is a Stroke?

A stroke is also called a “brain attack” because like a heart attack, it results from a blockage in blood flow to the organ, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Identifying a stroke’s signs and getting immediate help are critical to minimizing damage and preventing death; the longer blood is cut off, the more damage is done. How a stroke affects someone depends on what part of the brain is deprived of blood. Different limbs or abilities, such as speech, could be affected.

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If you believe someone is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately. When someone is having a stroke, quick treatment is essential to preventing long-term damage.

Some of the best Web resources for stroke-related information are the National Stroke Association and American Stroke Association. The federal agency devoted to researching strokes is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

A stroke can also occur when a blood vessel breaks and leaks into the brain, which also interrupts blood flow.

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For an overview of strokes …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a brief introduction to the three types of strokes: ischemic, the most common; hemorrhagic; and transient ischemic attacks, also known as “mini-strokes.”

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MedlinePlus is run by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Find a quick overview of the different aspects of stroke, including the definition, diagnosis, treatment, potential complications, and long-term outlook. Strokes can also be caused by head injuries, abusing alcohol, and using cocaine.

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For strokes in specific groups …

The National Stroke Association has information sheets about stroke in specific groups, such as women, African Americans, and children. Kids and even babies can have strokes, though it’s relatively rare.

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