Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing brain cells to become damaged. It is a medical emergency where every minute counts. Common warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, loss of balance, dizziness, or sudden loss of vision. A simple way to remember these symptoms is BE FAST – Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time to call for emergency medical care.

High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and heart disease are major risk factors. With rapid diagnosis and treatment, many patients can recover well and avoid permanent disability. Prompt medical attention at the earliest sign of a stroke offers the best chance of protecting brain function and improving long-term recovery.