What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when brain tissue is deprived of oxygen, either from a blocked artery (ischemic stroke, about 85% of cases) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Both cause brain cells to die rapidly without prompt treatment, which is why a stroke is treated as a race against time.
What are the warning signs of a stroke?
Use the FAST test: – Face drooping on one side – Arm weakness or numbness, usually on one side – Speech difficulty or slurring – Time to call for emergency help immediately if any of these appear, even if they resolve
Other signs include sudden severe headache, sudden vision changes, sudden dizziness, or loss of balance.
What causes a stroke?
- Ischemic stroke: a blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain, often related to atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, or a clot traveling from elsewhere in the body.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: a blood vessel ruptures, often related to uncontrolled high blood pressure or an aneurysm.
- Risk factors: high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol.
How is a stroke diagnosed?
A CT scan or MRI is done immediately to determine the stroke type — critical, since ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes require very different, sometimes opposite, treatments. Blood tests and imaging of blood vessels help pinpoint the exact cause.
What is the treatment for a stroke?
- Ischemic stroke: clot-dissolving medication if given within the treatment window, or a procedure to physically remove the clot in eligible cases.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: treatment focuses on controlling bleeding and pressure in the brain, sometimes requiring surgery.
- Rehabilitation afterward — physical, speech, and occupational therapy — to recover as much function as possible, starting as early as safely possible.
Everything under one roof
Emergency CT/MRI, neurology, and intensive care are available around the clock at Hospital CMQ, so treatment starts without transfer delays.
Concerned about stroke risk factors or want a neurology consultation? Message us on WhatsApp.
When should you call for emergency help for a stroke?
Immediately, at the first sign of facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty — even if symptoms seem to resolve on their own. Note the time symptoms started, since it directly affects treatment options.
How can a stroke be prevented?
- Manage blood pressure — the single biggest modifiable risk factor.
- Treat atrial fibrillation if diagnosed, since it significantly raises clot risk.
- Don’t smoke, and manage diabetes and cholesterol with regular check-ups.
- Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
Reviewed by: Dra. Itzel Aguayo, General Medicine, and Dr. David Hernández, Internal Medicine, Hospital CMQ. Review date: July 2026. References: American Stroke Association, World Health Organization (WHO), Mayo Clinic.