A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Every minute counts, and recognizing the warning signs quickly can help save a life and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
The image suggests that there are “signs your body is about to have a stroke.” While some people experience warning symptoms—especially with a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke”—many strokes occur suddenly without much warning. Knowing the symptoms and acting immediately is essential.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients due to blocked or broken blood vessels. Brain cells begin to die within minutes, making immediate treatment critical.
There are three main types of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blocked artery (the most common type).
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by bleeding in the brain.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA): A temporary blockage that causes stroke-like symptoms and serves as a warning sign for a future stroke.