What Is a Stroke?Stroke is a medical emergency and a leading cause of death in the U.S. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or, more commonly, when a blockage develops. Without treatment, cells in the brain quickly begin to die. The result can be serious disability or death. If a loved one is having stroke symptoms, seek emergency medical attention without delay.

Stroke SymptomsSigns of a stroke may include:Sudden numbness or weakness of the body, especially on one side.Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes, or difficulty swallowing.Sudden, severe headache with unknown cause.Sudden problems with dizziness, walking,

Stroke: Time = Brain DamageEvery second counts when seeking treatment for a stroke. When deprived of oxygen, brain cells begin dying within minutes. There are clot-busting drugs that can curb brain damage, but they have to be used within three hours of the initial stroke symptoms. Once brain tissue has died, the body parts controlled by that area won't work properly. This is why stroke is a top cause of long-term disability.

.

Ischemic StrokeThe most common type of stroke is known as an ischemic stroke. Nearly nine out of 10 strokes fall into this category. The culprit is a blood clot that obstructs a blood vessel inside the brain. The clot may develop on the spot or travel through the blood from elsewhere in the body.

Ischemic StrokeThe most common type of stroke is known as an ischemic stroke. Nearly nine out of 10 strokes fall into this category. The culprit is a blood clot that obstructs a blood vessel inside the brain. The clot may develop on the spot or travel through the blood from elsewhere in the body.

Mini-Stroke' (TIA)A transient ischemic attack, often called a "mini-stroke," is more like a close call. Blood flow is temporarily impaired to part of the brain, causing symptoms similar to an actual stroke. When the blood flows again, the symptoms disappear. A TIA is a warning sign that a stroke may happen soon. It's critical to see your doctor if you think you've had a TIA. There are therapies to reduce the risk of stroke.

Mini-Stroke' (TIA)A transient ischemic attack, often called a "mini-stroke," is more like a close call. Blood flow is temporarily impaired to part of the brain, causing symptoms similar to an actual stroke. When the blood flows again, the symptoms disappear. A TIA is a warning sign that a stroke may happen soon. It's critical to see your doctor if you think you've had a TIA. There are therapies to reduce the risk of stroke.

Stroke: Emergency TreatmentFor an ischemic stroke, emergency treatment focuses on medicine to restore blood flow. A clot-busting medication is highly effective at dissolving clots and minimizing long-term damage, but it must be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms. Hemorrhagic strokes are more difficult to manage. Treatment usually involves attempting to control high blood pressure, bleeding, and brain swelling.

Stroke Prevention: Balloon and StentDoctors can also treat a clogged carotid artery without major surgery in some cases. The procedure, called angioplasty, involves temporarily inserting a catheter into the artery and inflating a tiny balloon to widen the area that is narrowed by plaque. A metal tube, called a stent, can be inserted and left in place to keep the artery open.

Head Injuries and Your BrainYour brain is well protected from most damage. It sits inside a hard, bony skull. Layers of membranes and fluid provide even more padding. But even with all of this natural protection, the brain can still get injured. And damage to it can affect everything you do, from thinking to moving. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any blow to the head that's hard enough to affect the brain's function

What is a Concussion?A concussion is caused by a jolt that shakes your brain back and forth inside your skull. Any hard hit to the head or body -- whether it's from a football tackle or a car accident -- can lead to a concussion. Although a concussion is considered a mild brain injury, it can leave lasting damage if you don't rest long enough to let your brain fully heal afterward.

What Happens During a Relapse?When you experience a multiple sclerosis relapse (also known as an exacerbation or flare-up), it's because new damage in your brain or spinal cord disrupts nerve signals. That's why you might notice new symptoms or the return of old symptoms. A true relapse lasts more than 24 hours and happens at least 30 days after any previous relapses. Relapses vary in length, severity, and symptoms. Over time, your symptoms should improve. Many people recover from their relapses without treatment.

WeaknessDamage to the protective covering of nerve fibers interrupts normal signals from your brain to your body. When those signals are disrupted, your body doesn't function like it once did. Things you did easily before can seem difficult -- like opening a jar or turning a doorknob. Sudden or worsening weakness that doesn't go away could mean you're having a relapse.

If your vision is blurred or you're seeing double, you could be starting to relapse. Some people also lose their depth or color perception as the optic nerve becomes inflamed. Taking a hot shower or bath or having a viral infection like the flu can sometimes trigger vision problems, but these are only temporary and should go away within a day

Feeling lightheaded or unsteady on your feet can be an unsettling experience, but it's a common sign of MS relapses. The dizziness is due to damage in the parts of your brain that control your equilibrium. A motion sickness drug can take away that 'room-is-spinning' feeling in the short term, but if it lasts more than a day you may need to be treated for an exacerbation.

The skull is pretty tough. But if it's hit hard enough, it can crack. That's called a skull fracture. If the sharp edges of a fractured skull bone press into the brain, they can damage the delicate tissues and lead to bleeding in the brain. One sign of a skull fracture is clear fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears.

Your brain can bleed if it's injured and blood vessels inside it are damaged. The trapped blood can pool, forming a bump called a hematoma. If the hematoma puts pressure on the brain, it can squeeze or cut off blood flow to the brain -- a medical emergency. Signs of a hematoma include headaches, vomiting, and trouble with balance.

An injury can also damage parts of your brain that help you balance and walk. As a result, you may feel dizzy -- like the room is spinning. Parts of your brain that help you see clearly and gauge depth may also be affected. Physical therapy and other rehabilitation can improve your balance and movement after a head injury.