1 of 4 / Overview & Symptoms
View AllWhat Is a Stroke?
Disruptions of blood circulation to the brain may result in a stroke. It occurs in two forms, both potentially life-threatening.
Warning Signs
You're more likely to have one or more sudden warning signs like numbness or weakness, confusion, dizziness, or severe headache.
Stroke Symptoms
If you or someone with you exhibits signs of a stroke, do not delay. Timely treatment is critical to survival and recovery.
Types of Stroke
There are three major kinds of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack (TIA) -- with different symptoms.
2 of 4 / Causes & Complications
View AllWhat Puts You at Risk?
You can change or manage some things that put you at risk for a stroke, such as high blood pressure and smoking.
How Can I Prevent Stroke?
To reduce your chances of stroke, adopt habits that promote cardiovascular health and deter hardening of the arteries.
Stroke-Related Dementia
In the U.S., stroke-related cognitive decline, vascular dementia, is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's.
Vascular Dementia
What happens when someone has vascular dementia? Learn more about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
3 of 4 / Diagnosis & Treatment
View AllIdentifying and Treating Stroke
With stroke, a doctor must confirm the symptoms, identify the type of stroke, its location, and the extent of brain damage.
Thrombolysis
Thrombolysis is a treatment to dissolve clots in blood vessels, improve blood flow, and prevent damage to tissues and organs.
Stroke Rehabilitation
In stroke rehab, a team of health professionals works with you to regain skills you lost as the result of a stroke.
4 of 4 / Living With
View AllSuggested Reads about Stroke
Recovering From a Stroke: What May Help
Stroke is a leading cause of disability. But physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy may help. And medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery may help prevent another one.
Stroke: What You Need to Know
WebMD's pictures help explain the symptoms, causes, and dramatic lifesaving treatments for stroke -- including when to call 911.
Mobile Stroke Units Can Change Lives
Mobile stroke units are specially equipped ambulances for stroke patients. Why aren’t they more widespread?
Stroke Risk in Black Americans: Expert Q&A
The risk of having a stroke, and dying of one, is higher for Black Americans than for other racial and ethnic groups. Find out why – and what helps prevent strokes.
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