Don't wait to see if symptoms stop, for every minute counts. Once you get to the hospital, your emergency team will review your symptoms and complete a physical exam. They will use several tests to help them figure out what type of stroke you're having and determine the best treatment for the stroke.
The brain cells are affected very quickly after a stroke occurs. In the most common type of stroke, called an ischemic stroke, or cerebral infarction, there's a lack of blood flow to an area of the brain leading the brain cells to begin to die off due to a lack of oxygen and other nutrients.
More than 17,000 people with stroke or other blood vessel and brain (cerebrovascular) conditions receive comprehensive care from Mayo Clinic's stroke experts each year.
ANSWER: We have excellent treatments to reverse stroke symptoms, but these treatments are incredibly time dependent. This is a good opportunity to remind people to seek emergency medical care — call 911 — as soon as possible at the first sign of a stroke.
A stroke occurs when there's bleeding in the brain or when blood flow to the brain is blocked. Within minutes of being deprived of essential nutrients, brain cells start dying. A stroke is a true emergency. The sooner a stroke is treated, the less damage may occur. Every moment counts.
What are the risk factors, and are there signs to watch for that indicate someone is having a stroke? ANSWER: A stroke can happen at any time and to anyone. You might be talking to your loved one and notice they're suddenly slurring their words. Or, while grocery shopping, you realize you can't move your hand to pick up a jar from the shelf.
So if you or someone you know is experiencing a stroke, you should call 911 and seek emergency medical care right away. Anyone can have a stroke, but some things put you at higher risk.
A stroke happens when blood vessels supplying the brain burst or are blocked. This reduces blood flow to the brain, depriving it of the essential nutrients and oxygen needed to support brain cell life.
