By Paul K. Kaiser, M.D., Princeton HealthCare System
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and one of the most common causes of death in the United States today.
Every year, more than 795,000 Americans have a stroke and at least 130,000 people die from the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Knowing your risks, being aware of the warning signs and taking quick action can help save your life and lead to better stroke recovery.
Stroke basics
Stroke has to do with blood flow to your brain. There are two main types of stroke, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.
Ischemic stroke occurs when not enough blood can get to your brain. This can happen when blood clots clog your blood vessels, or when fat deposits build up along the walls of these blood vessels. The failure of the blood to reach your brain can cause parts of your brain to become damaged and even die. Then, the part of the body they control cannot function either. The majority of strokes in the United States 85 percent fall into the ischemic category.
The other type of stroke is called hemorrhagic stroke, and can be either intracerebral or subarachnoid. These types of stroke are less common, accounting for about 13 percent of all strokes.
An intracerebral hemorrhage happens when a blood vessel within the brain bursts, allowing blood to leak into and press on the brain, causing damage. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is caused by bleeding between the brain and the tissue that covers the brain. Both types occur when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, most often due to an aneurysm or an abnormally formed blood vessel.
Additionally, people can experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly called a mini-stroke. This occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery for a short time. The symptoms of TIA are the same as those of a stroke, but usually last only a few minutes. Nonetheless, a TIA is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. In fact, about 15 percent of major strokes are preceded by TIAs, according to the American Stroke Association.
Risk factors
Although risk increases as you grow older, stroke can affect people of any age and any background.
Certain groups, however, have higher risks for stroke than others. African Americans and Native Americans are the two groups most at risk in the United States, and African Americans are more likely to have fatal strokes.
Health conditions also cause increased risk for stroke. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, are overweight, smoke, or drink heavily, you are greater risk for stroke. People with a history of stroke in their family may also be at increased risk.
Warning signs
Stroke comes on suddenly, so quick decision-making and fast action are essential to save lives and minimize brain injury. If you or a loved one experience signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately and get to the nearest hospital. Warning signs of stroke include:
* Sudden numbness in or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination.
* Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Even if the warning signs of a stroke appear to “pass,” they could be signs of another stroke yet to come. Many people, even those aware of stroke warning signs, put off seeking help when the symptoms appear to pass or not be very serious. Other people wait to see if the stroke will go away on its own. This is a mistake stroke requires immediate medical attention. Healthy recovery is directly related to how soon someone gets treatment for stroke.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how quickly medical attention is received, as well as the type of stroke. People who have had ischemic stroke and receive treatment within three hours of the stroke can typically be treated with a medication called t-PA (tissue plasminogen activator) to break up blood clots and increase blood flow to the brain. People who have had hemorrhagic stroke may require surgery to stop the bleeding.
Paralysis or a lingering general weakness on one side of the body is common in stroke survivors as are memory problems, confusion, emotional issues, and periodic pain and numbness. However, through rehabilitation many stroke survivors can regain function and overcome the obstacles.
Think fast
Stroke can be fatal, but the quicker its treated, the greater the chances of recovery. Being aware of the warning signs of stroke and taking fast action is of paramount importance. Call 9-1-1- right away if you or someone you know shows any of the signs. With a stroke, every moment counts.
For more information about University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro’s designated Stroke Center or to find a physician with Princeton HealthCare System, call (888) 742-7496 or visit www.princetonhcs.org.
Dr. Paul K. Kaiser is a board-certified neurologist and medical director of the Stroke Center at University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro.

