What Is A Stroke?
A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It's an emergency situation. Call 9-1-1 if you think you might be having a stroke or stroke symptoms.
The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to work well. If blood supply is stopped even for a short time, this can cause problems. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen.
When brain cells die, brain function is lost. You may not be able to do things that are controlled by that part of the brain. For example, a stroke may affect your ability to:
- Move
- Speak
- Eat, drink, and swallow
- See clearly
- Think and remember
- Solve problems
- Control your bowel and bladder
- Control your emotions
- Control other vital body functions
A stroke can happen to anyone at any time.
Stroke Symptoms and Prevention
See our recorded livestream below to watch a presentation by Dr. Kersti Bruining, Medical Director of Munson Healthcare's Stroke Program. In this presentation, Dr. Bruining explains common stroke symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent a stroke from occurring: