About Stroke

Warning Signs

Understanding Stroke Warning Signs

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted — and every second without oxygen can cause permanent damage. Knowing what a stroke is and how it affects the brain is the first step toward faster recognition and better outcomes.

Recognize Stroke

Acting Fast — Can Make All The Difference.

Stroke symptoms can appear suddenly, and time is critical. When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they begin to die within minutes. Understanding and being aware of the warnings signs of a stroke — as well as acting F.A.S.T. — could save a life and make recovery easier for the survivor.

Face drooping? Arm weakness? Slurred speech? Call 911 immediately - these could be signs of a stroke.

Face drooping

Is one side of the face dropping? Look at their eye, cheek or lips to check for any unusual asymmetry or droopiness.

Arm weakness

Is the person experiencing arm weakness? Ask them to raise both arms and check for one arm that seems lower than the other.

Speech difficulty

Is the person’s speech slurred, or are they speaking in an unintelligible way?

Time to call 911

It’s time to call 911 or your local emergency services. Be sure to tell them you think it’s a stroke.

BALANCE LOSS

Is the person suddenly unsteady or dizzy? Are they struggling to walk or keep their balance?

EYESIGHT CHANGES

Is there sudden vision loss or blurriness in one or both eyes? Do they report double vision?

Face drooping

Is one side of the face dropping? Look at their eye, cheek or lips to check for any unusual asymmetry or droopiness.

Arm weakness

Is the person experiencing arm weakness? Ask them to raise both arms and check for one arm that seems lower than the other.

Speech difficulty

Is the person’s speech slurred, or are they speaking in an unintelligible way?

Time to call 911

It’s time to call 911 or your local emergency services. Be sure to tell them you think it’s a stroke.

Other important warning signs to be aware of are:

The person seems to be having trouble understanding you or speaking coherently.
The person appears to be confused, have trouble seeing or walking.
The person is experiencing a painful headache.
The person is experiencing numbness on their face, arm, legs, or a specific side of their body.

About Stroke

What Is a Stroke —
A Closer Look

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or reduced. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes — which can lead to serious brain damage, disability, or death if not treated quickly.

There are two main types of stroke:

Ischemic stroke

which accounts for about 87% of all cases, happens when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke

occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding tissue.

Different Types of Strokes

Explore the main types of strokes, how they affect the brain differently,and why understanding the difference matters for recovery and treatment.

Risk Factors of a Stroke

Discover the most common risk factors — from lifestyle to health conditions — and learn what steps you can take to lower your risk.

Warning Signs of a Stroke

Learn how to quickly recognize stroke symptoms, respond effectively,and get help when every second counts.

Helpful Resources

Knowledge That Supports

We’ve created educational flyers you can download for free to raise awareness of stroke, its symptoms and our work.

More Resources

Have Questions About Stroke Symptoms Or Recovery?

FAQs

You’re Not Alone in This

We’ve answered the questions that stroke survivors, caregivers,and families ask most — so you can feel informed and supported.

Is it really possible to prevent a stroke?

Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by managing key risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and lack of physical activity. Making healthy lifestyle choices—like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol—can significantly reduce your risk. Regular check-ups and working with your doctor to manage any medical conditions are also critical steps in prevention.

What should I do to reduce my stroke risk?

To lower your stroke risk, focus on managing key health factors: keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet (like the Mediterranean or DASH diet), exercise regularly, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, manage diabetes if applicable, and treat conditions like atrial fibrillation. Regular checkups and following your doctor’s advice can make a big difference.

Should I take aspirin to prevent stroke?

You should not take aspirin to prevent a stroke unless your doctor specifically recommends it. While aspirin can help prevent blood clots, it also carries a risk of bleeding, especially in people who do not have a history of stroke or heart disease. In some cases—such as for individuals with a high risk of stroke or those who have already had a stroke or heart attack—aspirin may be beneficial. However, for most people, the risks can outweigh the benefits. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting aspirin or any other medication for stroke prevention.

How does diet influence stroke risk?

Diet plays a significant role in your risk of having a stroke. Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars can increase your chances of developing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes—all of which are major stroke risk factors. On the other hand, a healthy, balanced diet can help protect against stroke. Consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports overall heart and brain health. Reducing your intake of processed foods, salt, and sugary drinks can help manage blood pressure and weight, both of which are key to lowering stroke risk. Simply put, what you eat every day can either increase or decrease your chances of having a stroke—making nutrition one of the most powerful tools for prevention.

What can I do if I’ve already had a stroke or TIA?

If you’ve already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), taking action to prevent another one is critical. Start by working closely with your healthcare team to understand the cause of your stroke and follow their treatment plan carefully. This may include taking prescribed medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, or prevent blood clots. Making lifestyle changes is also essential. Eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress can all lower your risk of another stroke. Attend all follow-up appointments, participate in any recommended rehabilitation programs, and monitor your health conditions closely. A TIA or stroke is a serious warning sign—but with the right steps, you can significantly reduce the chance of it happening again.

Explore FAQ

FAQs

You’re Not Alone in This

We’ve answered the questions that stroke survivors, caregivers,and families ask most — so you can feel informed and supported.