A stroke happens fast and can change your life in seconds. When blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts, brain cells start to die. This can affect how you speak, move, think or see. But when you know the signs and get help quickly, you can save a life and improve recovery.
Whether you’re learning about stroke for the first time, worried about your risk or helping a loved one recover, you’ll find expert care and support at Banner Brain & Spine. From symptoms and treatment to rehab and prevention, we’re ready when every second matters.
A stroke happens when blood can’t reach part of your brain. This may be because a blood vessel is blocked or has burst. When brain cells don’t get enough blood and oxygen, they begin to die. This can cause problems with how you move, speak, see or think.
Strokes are different for everyone. Some are mild. Others are more serious. But all strokes are medical emergencies. The faster you get help, the better your chances of recovering.
As you age, your arteries become harder and narrower, making them more likely to become blocked. However, certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can increase your risk of having a stroke. You can treat or control some but not all of them.
Other factors that can increase the risk of stroke:
There are three main types of stroke:
Each type needs different treatment, but all types need quick action. Learn more about the three types of stroke.
The main symptoms of a stroke can happen suddenly. You may notice:
The easiest way to remember these symptoms is BE FAST:
Learn more about stroke symptoms and how they may differ between men and women and older adults.
If you think someone is having a stroke, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 right away. Don’t drive to the hospital or wait for symptoms to pass. Fast treatment reduces brain damage and long-term problems. Time lost is brain lost.
Paramedics can begin care on the way to the hospital. This can save precious time. Emergency teams will alert the hospital so they’re ready to treat the stroke as soon as you arrive.
When you arrive at the hospital, health care specialists will quickly run tests to find out what kind of stroke is happening. These may include:
Once the type of stroke is known, treatment can begin right away. Treatment depends on the type of stroke, but may include:
Some hospitals use artificial intelligence (AI) to help diagnose stroke even faster. AI tools can quickly spot signs of stroke on brain scans, so your care team can act fast when every second matters. Here’s how Banner uses AI to diagnose stroke faster.
Learn more about how a stroke is diagnosed and treated.
Every stroke is different and recovery takes time. After a stroke, you may need help to walk, talk, eat or take care of yourself.
Rehabilitation helps you regain strength and relearn skills that you may have previously lost. It may include:
Your stroke care team will create a recovery plan just for you. You may get therapy in the hospital, at home or in an outpatient center.
Learn more about stroke recovery and rehab.
You can take steps to lower your risk of having a stroke. Many strokes can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle.
Here are some ways to protect your brain and body:
Banner Brain & Spine delivers top stroke care and fast. Our award-winning program provides expert treatment from the ER through rehab, with advanced imaging, clot-busting meds and neurosurgery when needed.
We’re a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center and proud recipient of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Gold Plus Elite Plus award.
With a full stroke team, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, nurses and rehab experts, we create a personalized plan to help you recover and thrive.
Find a Banner Brain & Spine specialist near you.
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