Stroke

 

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States. Over 800,000 people die in the U.S. each year from cardiovascular disease and strokes.

 

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. You can greatly reduce your risk for stroke through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

 

Life After Stroke

 

If you have had a stroke, you can make great progress in regaining your independence. However, you may still suffer from any of the following:

 

• Paralysis on one side of your body
• Weakness on one side of your body
• Problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory
• Problems understanding or forming speech
• Difficulty controlling or expressing emotions
• Numbness or strange sensations
• Pain in the hands and feet that worsens with movement and temperature changes
• Depression

 

Rehabilitation often involves physical therapy to help you relearn skills you may have lost because of the stroke. You also may need help relearning how to eat, bathe, or dress yourself. Therapy and medications may help with depression or other mental health conditions.

 

Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention