Stroke & TIA Help Guide

A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function. It is caused by the interruption of flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke) or rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). This interruption causes brain cells in the affected area to die. The effects of a stroke depend on where the brain was injured, as well as how much damage occurred. A stroke can impact any number of areas including your ability to move, see, remember, speak, reason, read and write.

About 80% of strokes are ischemic, which means they are caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain due to a blood clot. The build-up of plaque (fatty materials, calcium and scar tissue) is involved in most ischemic strokes - narrowing the arteries that supply blood to the brain, interfering with, or blocking the flow of blood.

A TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) - which is also known as a "mini stroke" - is caused by a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. The symptoms (warning signs) are similar to an ischemic stroke except they go away within a few minutes or hours. Many people can have a TIA without even knowing it. A TIA is an important warning sign that puts you at risk of a full-blown stroke.

The survival and recovery of a stroke casualty can be improved significantly by minimizing the physical and mental damage. If a person arrives at a hospital immediately after experiencing the stroke warning signs, doctors can administer a clot-busting drug called tPA - but only within three hours of the initial symptoms. It is, therefore, very important to recognize and respond to the following warning signs:

1. Weakness: Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, loss of coordination, even if temporary.

2. Trouble speaking: Sudden difficulty speaking (slurred speech) or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.

3. Vision problems: Sudden trouble with vision, pupil dilation, even if temporary

4. Headache: Sudden severe and unusual headache.

5. Dizziness: Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.