Half a million Americans suffer strokes every year — many of which strike without warning.

What is a stroke, anyway? It's the death of brain tissue resulting from lack of blood flow and insufficient oxygen to the brain. With timely treatment, damaged brain cells can be saved.

Cause

Usually, there are two main causes, the blood supply to the brain is cut off because of either atherosclerosis or a blood clot blocking a vessel, or a blood vessel burst, preventing normal flow and allowing blood to leak into an area of the brain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stroke are sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking; dizziness; or loss of balance or coordination.

Diagnosis

Stroke can be diagnosed through several techniques: a short neurological examination, blood tests, CT scans, MRI scans, Doppler ultrasound, and arteriography.

Treatment

Treatment of stroke includes prevention, therapy immediately after a stroke, and post-stroke rehabilitation. Rehabilitation centers around physical therapy, but occupational therapy (OT) also helps a patient relearn everyday activities. Speech therapy is appropriate for patients not suffering from deficits in cognition or thinking who have trouble understanding or forming speech.

Source: This information compiled from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.