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.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is a Stroke?
A stroke is also called a “brain attack” because like a heart attack, it results from a ... read more »
Stroke Symptoms and Diagnosis
A stroke hits without warning, and can cause confusion for the person experiencing it. There are a few major warning signs, and even a simple test people can use to determine if a person is having a stroke. Medical experts agree, though, if you think it’s a stroke, call for help. It’s better to be wrong than to potentially delay treatment.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Someone who has a stroke may suddenly be unable to move a limb, one side of the body, or the muscles on one side of the face may droop.
- Even if the warning signs disappear, still seek medical attention. A stroke could have occurred, and any damage would need treatment.
- Don’t type “strokes” into your favorite search engine to learn more about the disorder, because you’ll get many sites related to a band called The Strokes. Stick to “stroke,” or a more specific phrase, such as “stroke signs.”
Dulcinea's Picks
For warning signs …
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
has an eight-minute video called “Know Stroke.” It describes the symptoms and risk factors, and emphasizes the importance of getting immediate treatment when it looks like someone is having one.
The National Stroke Association
describes a simple test anyone can use to quickly determine whether someone is having a stroke. The test goes by the acronym F.A.S.T., and involves asking someone to smile, raise his arms, and repeat a simple sentence.
For diagnosis …
The American Stroke Association
has a brief explanation of the different tests, such as a CT scan or angiography, which are used to diagnose a stroke. Learn how doctors use the tests to examine electrical activity and blood flow in the brain.
The Internet Stroke Center
at Washington University has an in-depth explanation of how strokes are diagnosed. This multi-page guide describes what could happen at the hospital, step by step. Read descriptions of the various tests that are used to determine if a stroke has occurred, and see pictures of CT scans, MRIs, and cerebral angiographies.
Treating and Preventing Strokes
Once a stroke has been diagnosed, doctors have a number of medications that can help restore blood ... read more »
Stroke News and Research
New information about discovering, treating, and preventing strokes is being published all the ... read more »
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