Is a stroke a serious health emergency?

Yes. Strokes are one of the most serious health emergencies, ranking as the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

Are strokes only a problem for older adults?

No, strokes don’t just affect older people. While age is a risk factor, strokes can happen at any stage of life.

Is a stroke the same as a heart attack?

Not at all. Although strokes and heart attacks are both vascular conditions, they affect different parts of the body. A heart attack happens when a blood vessel in the heart is blocked, while a stroke disrupts blood flow to the brain.

Do all strokes come with a headache?

No, they don’t. A common myth suggests that strokes always cause an intense headache. While this can be true for some strokes, most ischemic stroke occur without pain. Common stroke symptoms include sudden numbness, weakness (especially on one side of the body), confusion, slurred speech, vision loss, or trouble walking.

How much time do you have to get help after a stroke?

Unfortunately, not much. Time is critical when dealing with strokes, especially those caused by a blood clot blocking an artery. There’s a narrow four and a half hour window to administer a clot-busting drug called TNK for these cases.

Should you take an aspirin if you think you’re having a stroke?

If you think you’re having a heart attack, taking aspirin right away is usually a good idea. But if you think you’re having a stroke, you shouldn’t take aspirin.

Can strokes be prevented?

Yes, and this is where stroke risk factors come into play. Managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can dramatically lower your risk.

How can you protect yourself and your loved ones from a stroke?

Regular check-ups with your doctor are crucial to monitor key indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Note stroke risk factors in your family history and address any concerns proactively. Managing stress, staying active, and eating well also help reduce your risk dramatically.

What stroke symptoms should you look out for?

Stroke symptoms can come on quickly and without warning. To simplify stroke awareness and help you remember what to do, think BE FAST: balance, eyes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble and time to call 911.

Do You Know the Stroke Symptoms to Recognize Immediately?

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a good time to learn how to spot a stroke and act fast. In the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds. About 800,000 people are affected each year.

The good news is that strokes are often preventable. Quick treatment also helps protect the brain and improve recovery. If you know the warning signs, understand your risk and call 911 right away, you can make a real difference for yourself or someone you love.

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced. When that happens, brain cells do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need. In just minutes, those cells begin to die. Because the brain controls so many parts of the body, a stroke can affect speech, movement, vision, balance and thinking. That is why strokes are always a medical emergency. Some strokes happen because a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Others happen because a blood vessel bursts. Both need immediate care.

Who can have a stroke?

A stroke can happen at any age. Many people think it only affects older adults, but that is not true. About 1 in 4 strokes happen in people younger than 65. Some also happens in people younger than 45. That is why everyone should know the signs, not just older adults. Your age can affect your risk, but it is not the only factor. Blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history and other health habits all play a role. The takeaway is simple: stroke awareness matters for everyone.

How is a stroke different from a heart attack?

A stroke and a heart attack are both emergencies, but they are not the same thing. A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced. Both conditions need fast treatment. Both can cause serious damage if care is delayed. Still, they affect different organs and often cause different symptoms. Knowing that difference can help you respond quickly.

What are the warning signs of a stroke?

One of the easiest ways to remember stroke symptoms is BE FAST. This simple tool can help you know when it is time to act.

What does BE FAST mean?

B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance or trouble walking
E - Eyes: Sudden blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes
F - Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb
A - Arms: One arm (and/or leg) feels weak or numb, or drifts downward when raised
S - Speech: Speech is slurred, hard to understand or hard to get out
T - Time: Time to call 911 right away

Other warning signs can include sudden confusion, weakness on one side of the body, dizziness or trouble understanding others. Some people also have a sudden severe headache, but not always.

If something feels off, trust your instincts and get help. Fast action matters.

Do all strokes cause headaches?

No. Not all strokes cause a headache. Some people describe a stroke headache as sudden and very severe. But many strokes happen without head pain at all. That is why it is so important not to wait for a headache before taking symptoms seriously.

A stroke may look like:

sudden numbness and/or weakness in the face, arm or leg
sudden trouble speaking
sudden vision changes
sudden loss of balance
sudden confusion

The key message is this: You do not need to have a headache for it to be a stroke.

What are the warning signs before a stroke?

Some people have brief, stroke-like events called transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs, in the days or weeks before a stroke. Signs can include a drooping face, weak arm/leg, slurred or hard-to-find words, blurry or lost vision, dizziness, or sudden confusion. These symptoms may fade within minutes or hours, but a TIA is an emergency and a warning of a larger stroke. Call 911 right away if these symptoms appear.

Why is fast treatment so important?

When a stroke starts, time matters because brain cells are at risk right away. The sooner a person gets care, the better the chance to protect the brain and support recovery.

Many strokes are caused by blood clots. In some cases, doctors can use emergency treatment to help restore blood flow. These treatments depend on how much time has passed, the type of stroke and the patient’s condition. That is why waiting at home is never the right choice. Even if symptoms seem mild or start to improve, the person still needs emergency evaluation. Calling 911 right away gives the care team a chance to start helping as soon as possible.

Can stroke symptoms improve with quick care?

Yes, quick care can make a big difference. Fast evaluation and treatment can help limit damage and improve the chance of a better recovery. Some people recover more function when treatment starts early. That is one reason the first hour after symptoms begin is so important.

Emergency teams move quickly to check symptoms, review brain scans and decide on the next best step. The right treatment is not the same for everyone, but early care gives each patient the best chance for the right plan at the right time. If you think someone is having a stroke, do not wait to see if they feel better. Early action gives them the strongest path forward.

Many strokes can be prevented with healthy habits and regular medical care. Small steps can make a big impact over time.

What lifestyle changes help lower stroke risk?

Focus on these daily habits:

Eat a healthy diet. Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Cut back on salt, sugar and heavily processed foods.
Stay active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days. Walking, biking and swimming are all good choices.
Know your numbers. Keep blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol in a healthy range.
Do not smoke. Smoking damages blood vessels and raises stroke risk.
Limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.
Avoid illegal drugs. Drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine can raise stroke risk, even in younger adults.
Take medicines as directed. If your doctor prescribes medicine for blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol, stay on track with your treatment plan.

The best prevention plan is one you can stick with. Start with one or two healthy changes and build from there.

Fast access to expert care is a key part of stroke treatment. Ochsner helps bring that care closer to home through its Telestroke Program.

This program connects local hospitals with Ochsner stroke specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Doctors can review brain scans in real time, guide the local team and help decide on the next steps quickly. More than 55 hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi take part in the program.

That means patients can get expert stroke support without delay, even if they are not near a major medical center.

Ochsner Neuroscience Institute is also nationally recognized for neurology and neurosurgery care. That leadership helps support patients with advanced stroke evaluation, treatment and recovery planning.

When should you call 911 for a stroke?

Call 911 right away if you notice any warning signs of a stroke, even if the symptoms go away after a few minutes.

Do not drive yourself if you can avoid it. Do not wait to see if the problem gets better. Emergency medical teams can begin care on the way to the hospital and alert the stroke team before arrival.

Call 911 right away for:

sudden face drooping
sudden arm/leg weakness
sudden speech trouble
sudden confusion
sudden vision changes
sudden dizziness or loss of balance
sudden severe headache with no clear cause

A stroke is always an emergency. Quick action can save brain function and improve recovery.

What should you do now to protect yourself and others?

Stroke awareness starts with simple steps: know the signs, learn your risk and act fast. Remember BE FAST. Make healthy choices when you can. Keep up with your regular checkups. And if stroke symptoms appear, call 911 right away. That quick decision can change everything.

Learn more about stroke care at Ochsner Health.

How Can You Make Caregiving After Stroke Easier?

When a loved one experiences a stroke, navigating the aftermath can feel like venturing into uncharted territory. As a caregiver, you play a crucial role in their recovery journey.

Telemedicine Program Treats Stroke Victims when Time is Crucial

Programs such as Ochsner’s ASSERT telemedicine program can be valuable to patients who find themselves experiencing a stroke. Stroke neurologists are present virtually through secure wireless data and video communication 24/7. Ochsner’s stroke team evaluates patients, diagnoses, directs care and ensures that timely thrombolytic therapy is administered.