What is a Stroke? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Acting Quickly Can Save a Life
Did you know that every minute counts during a stroke?
A stroke can leave irreversible damage or even lead to death if not treated immediately. Recognizing the symptoms and going straight to the emergency room can make the difference between a successful recovery and permanent disability.
Dr. Manuel García, a specialist in neurology and epilepsy at Hospital Serena del Mar, explains what a stroke is, how to detect it early, and what steps you can take to prevent it.
What is a Stroke?
Also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or brain stroke, a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced. This lack of oxygen and nutrients causes brain cells to die within minutes, potentially resulting in severe neurological damage.
Depending on the area of the brain affected, a stroke can cause:
- Paralysis on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language
- Vision problems
- Loss of coordination or balance
Types of Stroke: Why Do They Happen?
Ischemic Stroke
The most common type (80% of cases), occurring when a blood clot blocks a cerebral artery.
Main causes:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Heart disease
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain.
Associated factors:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Head trauma
- Brain aneurysms
What are the Symptoms of a Stroke?
Recognizing a stroke early is key to saving lives. Remember the FAST rule:
- F – Face: One side of the face droops or appears uneven.
- A – Arm: Difficulty raising one or both arms.
- S – Speech: Slurred or difficult speech.
- T – Time: Act immediately. Call emergency services.
Other symptoms include:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Severe headache without cause
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Numbness on one side of the body
Stroke Risk Factors: Who Is Most at Risk?
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Family history of stroke
How is a Stroke Treated?
Ischemic Stroke Treatment:
- Thrombolytic medications (if applied within the first hours)
- Endovascular procedures
Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment:
- Surgical intervention
- Intensive neurological care
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and emotional support. Rehabilitation helps patients regain independence.
Stroke Prevention: How to Care for Your Brain
Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented. Healthy habits include:
- Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Get enough sleep and manage stress
- Attend medical check-ups
Recovery and Support After a Stroke
- Personalized rehabilitation
- Family and clinical support
- Emotional well-being
At Hospital Serena del Mar, We Are With You
We have a specialized team in neurology, rehabilitation, and emergency care, trained to respond quickly and effectively to strokes.
Hospital Serena del Mar is the first Advanced Center of the Stroke Center Certification Program in Latin America and the Caribbean, recognized by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and the Ibero-American Society of Cerebrovascular Disease (SIECV).
If someone shows stroke symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately.
