Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
The most severe strokes can leave a person unable to respond, or in a sleep-like state. This is sometimes called unconsciousness or coma, and it means that important parts of the brain are not working well. Coma is a worrying sign, as it may mean that the stroke is severe enough that the person may not survive.
They happen when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. These blood clots typically form in areas where the arteries have been narrowed or blocked over time by fatty deposits (plaques). This process is known as atherosclerosis.
Fortunately, the brain has an innate ability to heal itself after injury, even large injuries like a massive stroke. Through the phenomenon of neuroplasticity, healthy areas of the brain can take over the functions damaged by stroke. While the recovery process takes time and hard work, there is hope for recovery.
While individuals cannot feel blood supply being cut off during a stroke, they may exhibit some very distinct signs of a stroke including slurred speech, arm weakness, and facial drooping. These signs, among others, can cause a variety of physical sensations and emotions.
You may not have a lot of warning before a stroke. Classic stroke symptoms include: A sudden and severe headache. Balance problems.
Much is written about living with stroke, but little about dying after stroke. Yet most people with a severe stroke will die within 6 months.
A massive stroke commonly refers to strokes (any type) that result in death, long-term paralysis, or coma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists three main types of stroke: Ischemic stroke, caused by blood clots. Hemorrhagic stroke, caused by ruptured blood vessels that cause brain bleeding.
Damage or death to nerve cells in the brain occurs, resulting in the physical and mental changes that stroke victims experience. Not long ago, it was thought that the brain had little ability to repair itself following stroke. We know, however, that individuals can and do regain function.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is cut off. Brain cells that don't receive oxygen die, which impacts your ability to function normally. A "massive" stroke simply means that a large portion of your brain was denied blood, according to Healthline.
After a stroke, around 30% of survivors experience pain. This is most likely to happen soon after a stroke, but can also develop sometime later. Types of post-stroke pain include muscle and joint pain such as spasticity and shoulder pain. Headaches are more common soon after a stroke but should reduce over time.
Some people will experience symptoms such as headache, numbness or tingling several days before they have a serious stroke. One study found that 43% of stroke patients experienced mini-stroke symptoms up to a week before they had a major stroke.
Even after surviving a stroke, you're not out of the woods, since having one makes it a lot more likely that you'll have another. In fact, of the 795,000 Americans who will have a first stroke this year, 23 percent will suffer a second stroke.
During the first few days after your stroke, you might be very tired and need to recover from the initial event. Meanwhile, your team will identify the type of stroke, where it occurred, the type and amount of damage, and the effects. They may perform more tests and blood work.
The typical length of a hospital stay after a stroke is five to seven days. During this time, the stroke care team will evaluate the effects of the stroke, which will determine the rehabilitation plan.
An IV injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) — also called alteplase (Activase) or tenecteplase (TNKase) — is the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke. An injection of TPA is usually given through a vein in the arm within the first three hours.
Stroke seems to run in some families. Several factors may contribute to familial stroke. Members of a family might have a genetic tendency for stroke risk factors, such as an inherited predisposition for high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes.
Early warning signs and symptoms of stroke come on suddenly. They can include dizziness, confusion, issues with speech, and paralysis on one side of the body or face.
This can include drooping of the face, weakness of one arm or side of the body, slurred speech, and sometimes headache or vision changes. If you notice any new or worsening stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately.