Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.1 and the primary cause of adult disability. Three-quarters of strokes occur in people aged 65+, but rates are alarmingly rising among those under 49.2
Each year, over half a million people in the U.S. experience a first-time stroke. One in four stroke survivors will have a second stroke.3 That said, 4 out of 5 strokes are avoidable. Screening for stroke risk, adopting healthier lifestyle habits, and receiving preventive care are key to reducing the risk of a stroke or stroke-related death.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke, also called a brain attack,1 is a medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is entirely or partially blocked or when a blood vessel bursts. In either case, the body’s normal blood flow to the brain is severely disrupted or reduced to dangerous levels.
Cells need a steady flow of blood to get oxygen and vital nutrients. A lack of blood causes cell death. A stroke can cause permanent brain harm within minutes or hours because brain cells die. Some cells die quickly, while others stay weakened or damaged for hours, creating a brief window for emergency treatment.
What Are the Main Types of Strokes?
Stroke can be classified into two main categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic.4
- Ischemic: Roughly eighty percent of strokes that occur are ischemic. Ischemic strokes happen when normal blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted. The cause is typically a blood clot or plaque debris that creates a plug in a brain vessel or artery.
- Hemorrhagic: A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain bursts. The leaked blood floods the area around the brain, damaging surrounding tissue and creating pressure inside the skull. About twenty percent of all strokes that occur are hemorrhagic.
In either scenario, ischemic or hemorrhagic, time is of the essence in immediately being able to treat the situation. The longer the brain is without normal blood flow, and the higher the pressure inside the skull, the greater the damage.
Neurosurgeon, Cooper and Inspira Neuroscience
What Does a Stroke Look Like?
Signs of a stroke can happen quickly. A quick response can potentially save a life and increase the odds of a strong recovery. The key is recognizing the signs and getting help right away.
To know what signs to look for, remember the acronym BEFAST.5 It could help save a life.
Balance
Sudden loss of balance or coordination
Eyes
Vision changes in one or both eyes, such as seeing double
Face
Facial drooping or numbness
Arms
Weakness in one arm
Speech
Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Time
Call 9-1-1 immediately.
The speed of treatment, once symptoms appear, is crucial. A person experiencing a stroke may not realize what is happening. They may ignore the signs, particularly if they subside or disappear after a few minutes.
If you suspect someone is showing signs of a stroke or if you think you might have had one, dial 9-1-1 immediately for an ambulance and emergency help. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.6
EMRs are trained to know what to do and can begin treatment during transport, notifying on-site medical staff ahead of the critical arrival. Patients arriving at the ER by ambulance are given immediate attention, which can be lifesaving.
Cooper and Inspira’s Stroke Program. A Leader in Specialized Stroke Care
Cooper and Inspira are leaders in providing top-quality stroke care.
Since 2017, they have been recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest certification a hospital or medical center can attain for stroke treatment. This designation demonstrates their ability to manage and treat even the most complex and urgent cases around the clock with specialized, trained teams.
Cooper and Inspira were also the first in the country to establish an Acute Stroke and Neuro Interventional Suite directly within the ER.
When patients with stroke symptoms arrive at the ER, they can be promptly evaluated, stabilized, and treated by expert stroke teams equipped with the latest prevention and treatment methods.
Having the Suite in the ER reduces the time from assessment to intervention, enabling a rapid response that helps preserve brain tissue and results in improved outcomes and quicker recovery.
To make an appointment with a Cooper and Inspira Stroke Specialist, click here.
References
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). February 25, 2025. Brain Basics: Preventing Stroke. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-preventing-stroke[↩][↩]
- Williamson, Laura. February 4, 2022. Deadly type of stroke increasing among younger and middle-aged adults. American Heart Association News. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/02/04/deadly-type-of-stroke-increasing-among-younger-and-middle-aged-adults[↩]
- American Stroke Association. April 17, 2024. What to do Instead of Having Another Stroke. https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/preventing-another-stroke/what-to-do-instead-of-having-another-stroke[↩]
- Stroke Overview. April 21, 2025. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/stroke/stroke-overview[↩]
- American Heart Association American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). January 30, 2025. Stroke warning sign acronyms drive 911 calls, FAST leads in symptom recall for public. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/stroke-warning-sign-acronyms-drive-911-calls-f-a-s-t-leads-in-symptom-recall-for-public[↩]
- Center for Disease Control (CDC). October 24, 2024. Signs and Symptoms of Stroke, When to Seek Emergency Help. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/index.html[↩]
