Stroke

Definition

A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack."

See also: Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)

Symptoms

The symptoms of stroke depend on what part of the brain is damaged. In some cases, a person may not even be aware that he or she has had a stroke.

Symptoms usually develop suddenly and without warning, or they may occur on and off for the first day or two. Symptoms are usually most severe when the stroke first happens, but they may slowly get worse.

A headache may occur, especially if the stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain. The headache:

• Starts suddenly and may be severe
• Occurs when lying flat
• Wakes you up from sleep
• Gets worse when you change positions or when you bend, strain, or cough

Other symptoms depend on the severity of the stroke and what part of the brain is affected. Symptoms may include:

• Muscle weakness in the face, arm, or leg (usually just one side)
• Numbness or tingling on one side of the body
• Trouble speaking or understanding others who are speaking
• Problems with eyesight, including decreased vision, double vision, or total loss of vision
• Sensation changes that affect touch and the ability to feel pain, pressure, different temperatures, or other stimuli
• Changes in hearing
• Change in alertness (including sleepiness, unconsciousness, and coma)
• Personality, mood, or emotional changes
• Confusion or loss of memory
• Difficulty swallowing
• Changes in taste
• Difficulty writing or reading
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of balance
• Clumsiness
• Trouble walking
• Dizziness or abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo)
• Lack of control over the bladder or bowels

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