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Stroke is an Emergency

Posted: Jan. 1, 2008

A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack." A stroke can injure the brain like a heart attack can injure the heart. A stroke occurs when part of the brain doesn't get the blood it needs.

There are two types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke -- This type of stroke happens when blood is blocked from getting to the brain. This often happens because the artery is clogged with fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) or a blood clot.
  
• Hemorrhagic stroke -- This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, and blood bleeds into the brain. This type of stroke can be caused by an aneurysm – a thin or weak spot in an artery that balloons out and can burst.

Both types of stroke can cause brain cells to die. This may cause a person to lose control of their speech, movement and memory. If you think you are having a stroke, call 911.

What is a “mini-stroke”?
A “mini-stroke,” also called a transient ischemic attack or TIA, happens when, for a short time, less blood than normal gets to the brain. You may have some signs of stroke or you may not notice any signs. A mini-stroke lasts from a few minutes up to a day. Many people do not even know they have had a stroke. A mini-stroke can be a sign of a full stroke to come. If you think you are having a “mini-stroke,” call 911.

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