What is the FAST acronym for stroke?

FAST stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. It is a simple tool to recognize stroke symptoms and act quickly to save brain tissue.

Can young people have strokes?

Yes, while stroke is more common in older adults, it can occur at any age. Risk factors in younger people include blood clotting disorders, heart defects, sickle cell disease, and drug use.

What is the recovery like after a stroke?

Recovery varies widely depending on the severity and location of the stroke. Many people regain significant function through rehabilitation, but some may have lasting disabilities affecting movement, speech, or cognition.

CardiovascularICD-10: I63Nearly 800,000 people in the US have a stroke each year; it is a leading cause of death and disability

Stroke

Also known as: Cerebrovascular accident, CVA, Brain attack

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. There are two main types: ischemic stroke caused by a blocked artery, and hemorrhagic stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel. Stroke is a medical emergency where every minute of delay in treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage or death.

Symptoms

Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg

Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance

Drooping of one side of the face

Causes

Blood clot blocking an artery to the brain (ischemic stroke)
Rupture of a blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke)
Atrial fibrillation causing blood clots that travel to the brain
Atherosclerosis narrowing the brain's blood vessels

Risk Factors

High blood pressure
Heart disease and atrial fibrillation
Diabetes
Smoking
High cholesterol
Obesity and physical inactivity

Diagnosis

CT scan of the brain to distinguish ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke
MRI for detailed brain imaging
CT angiography to identify blocked blood vessels
Blood tests to assess clotting and blood sugar
Echocardiogram to evaluate the heart as a source of clots

Treatment

IV thrombolytics (tPA) within 4.5 hours for ischemic stroke
Mechanical thrombectomy to remove clots in large vessel occlusions
Blood pressure management for hemorrhagic stroke
Surgical intervention for severe hemorrhagic stroke
Rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Long-term medications to prevent recurrence

Prevention

Controlling high blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes
Managing diabetes and cholesterol levels
Quitting smoking
Regular physical exercise
Anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation

When to See a Doctor

Any sudden onset of FAST symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services
Sudden severe headache unlike any experienced before
Sudden vision changes or trouble walking
Any symptoms even if they resolve, as this may indicate a TIA

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Transient Ischemic Attack

Cardiovascular

Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiovascular

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