Stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone else are experiencing stroke warning signs, call 911.
Call 911 for immediate assistance
Not sure whether a person's symptoms are a stroke? Act F.A.S.T. and quickly take these steps.
Strokes are aptly referred to as a "brain attack." When there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain, either because of a clot or ruptured blood vessel, sudden brain damage occurs.
A person who is having a stroke requires immediate medical attention. The longer it takes to receive care, the more brain cells will die and the greater the risk of disability or even death.
Ischemic stroke is most common and accounts for 87 percent of strokes. Ischemic stroke is caused by a clot that prevents blood flow to the brain. The clot can either travel to the brain from another part of the body or can develop in an artery.
Hemorrhagic stroke is a second type of stroke which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. Hemorrhagic stroke is less common, but it's more deadly.
In either situation, the victim requires immediate medical help. Call 911.
Check out our educational materials in several languages on topics of stroke prevention, symptoms, treatment and rehabilitation from the American Stroke Association.
Inova's online health library includes extensive information about stroke, its warning signs, treatments and rehabilitation.
Additional resources include:
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