A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells begin to die within minutes without oxygen, making stroke a medical emergency where every second counts. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability. Ischemic strokes account for about 87% of all strokes. They occur when a clot blocks an artery supplying the brain, often originating from the heart (cardioembolic) or from atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries or cerebral vessels. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by a ruptured blood vessel, often related to uncontrolled high blood pressure, aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Recognizing a stroke quickly is critical. Use the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911. Other warning signs include sudden severe headache, vision changes in one or both eyes, sudden confusion, and difficulty walking or maintaining balance. If you observe any of these signs, do not wait — call emergency services immediately. Treatment for ischemic stroke depends on time from symptom onset. Intravenous tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) can dissolve clots if given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Mechanical thrombectomy — a minimally invasive procedure to physically remove the clot — extends this window up to 24 hours for select patients and has dramatically improved outcomes. Stroke prevention focuses on managing risk factors including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and physical inactivity. After a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy is often prescribed. Our Comprehensive Stroke Program at Silvaris provides 24/7 emergency stroke care, advanced neuroimaging, interventional neuroradiology, and a dedicated rehabilitation team to support recovery.
