UNDERSTANDING STROKE SYMPTOMS

Updated 6/25

In the image above, Ann is an opera singer.
While on stage, she suddenly starts having
trouble getting her words out. Her right arm
also feels weak. These symptoms are classic
of stroke symptoms.

Severe headache, mental confusion, visual
disturbances and right or left sided weakness
may also occur.

A CAT scan or MRI are diagnostics tests that
are done to confirm the diagnosis. 

What is a stroke?

A stroke is also known as a brain attack.

Identifying strokes

A stroke may be hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding) or
ischemic (embolic) caused by a clot or plaque in a blood
 vessel. Bleeding into the brain may be caused by trauma 
or rupture of a blood vessel due  to high blood pressure. 

In the case of an embolic stroke, a blood clot may obstruct
the flow of blood in the brain. This will also affect oxygen
to the brain. 

Embolic strokes are usually treated with drugs such as
 TPA ( Tissue Plasminogenic Activator). Antihypertensive
drugs and anti seizure medications may also be ordered.

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Learn more about: Stroke for the layperson