Diseases
stroke
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
Symptoms
- headache
- trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying.
- paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg.
- problems seeing in one or both eyes.
- trouble walking.
Causes
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- overtreatment with blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- bulges at weak spots in your blood vessel walls (aneurysms)
Risk factors
- being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, or heavy or binge drinking
- high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- cigarette smoking or secondhand smoke exposure
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- magnetic resonance imaging (mri).
- a physical exam.
- computerized tomography (ct) scan
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is stroke?
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
What are the symptoms of stroke?
headache, trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying., paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg., problems seeing in one or both eyes., trouble walking.
What causes stroke?
uncontrolled high blood pressure; overtreatment with blood thinners (anticoagulants); bulges at weak spots in your blood vessel walls (aneurysms)
Which medicines are used for stroke?
alteplase, apixaban, clopidogrel, dabigatran etexilate, edoxaban, rivaroxaban, ticagrelor, ticlopidine
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