Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a serious medical emergency in which blood flow is temporarily cut off from part of the brain. This could be because of a blockage in the blood vessels or because of bleeding in the brain.
When a stroke occurs because blood vessels are blocked, it is known as an ischemic stroke. When bleeding occurs in the brain and causes a CVA, it is known as a hemorrhagic stroke.
Learn more about the different types of strokes.
Most organs in the body can survive for short periods without blood flow, but the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen.
Strokes can be treated, but they need to be attended to by medical professionals as soon as possible. Every minute a stroke is left untreated, a person is at greater risk for suffering permanent brain or nerve damage.
If your family has a history of high blood pressure or heart disease, you would have an increased risk of having a stroke. People who are at high risk for stroke should ensure that they have a response plan in place should a stroke ever occur.
What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is similar to a stroke, except it is shorter and does not do permanent damage. Sometimes it is referred to as a “ministroke.”
While TIAs do not have the same impact as strokes, they may be a warning sign that a full stroke may follow.
People who experience TIAs should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Their doctor will want to confirm the event as a ministroke and put a stroke prevention plan in place.
Stroke prevention measures may include medication, exercise, dietary changes, and stress management.
For More Information
- Learn to recognize the signs of a stroke — Learn about the B.E. F.A.S.T. system that can help you identify stroke symptoms. You could save your life or someone else’s.
- Treatment for stroke — A stroke is an emergency medical condition. Learn about how physicians treat a stroke.
- Stroke Centers — Learn about our Primary and Comprehensive Stroke Centers.
- Stroke recovery — Depending on the severity of a stroke, patients may regain lost function and improve their quality of life with rehabilitation.
- How to prevent a stroke — What can you do to prevent a stroke? Measures may include medication, exercise, dietary changes and stress management.
What to Do If You Think Someone Is Having a Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency and time counts. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you’re with is exhibiting symptoms, such as blurred vision, facial drooping, one-sided body weakness, problems speaking or being understood and/or a sudden and severe headache.
Stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you are with is experiencing the symptoms of stroke, call 911 immediately.
Support Groups for Stroke Survivors and Their Families and Caregivers
RWJBarnabas Health offers stroke support groups for survivors, their families and their caregivers. Virtual and in-person support groups are offered by RWJBarnabas Health hospitals throughout the year.
Quarterly virtual support groups with featured speakers encourage discussion around specific topics such as nutrition, smoking cessation, speech and occupational therapy, and the effects of the holidays on stroke survivors’ mental health.
Biannual virtual support groups focus on caring for the caregiver. These sessions for family and caregivers of stroke survivors include featured speakers from the American Stroke Association who attend and help moderate the groups.
Visit our Events Calendar to browse our stroke support group offerings, and register for an online support group or find an in-person event near you.
Talk to a Doctor
If you would like to learn more about your personal risk of stroke, or what preventive measures to take if you know you are at risk, contact us today to be referred to a specialist.