Three Types of Stroke & What To Do

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Immediate action saves life and reduces disability.

1️⃣ Ischemic Stroke (Most Common – ~80%)

Cause: A blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain.

Symptoms:

One side of face drooping

Weakness/paralysis of one arm or leg

Difficulty speaking

Sudden severe headache

Loss of balance

What to Do (Emergency):

✔ Immediately call Ambulance — this is a medical emergency.

✔ Rush to a hospital with CT scan capability.

✔ Clot-busting treatment (tPA) is time-sensitive and must be given within 3–4.5 hours of symptoms.

❌ Do NOT give food, water or medicine.

❌ Do NOT wait to “see if symptoms get better.”

2️⃣ Hemorrhagic Stroke (Brain Bleed)

Cause: A blood vessel bursts in the brain → bleeding occurs.

Often linked with:

High blood pressure

Aneurysm

Trauma

Symptoms:

Sudden severe “thunderclap” headache

Loss of consciousness

Vomiting

Seizures

Weakness/paralysis

What to Do (Emergency):

✔ Call Ambulance immediately — urgent hospital care required.

✔ Lower blood pressure (hospital will manage).

✔ Surgical intervention may be needed to stop bleeding.

❌ Never give aspirin or blood thinners — it makes the bleeding worse.

❌ Don’t give water/food.

3️⃣ TIA – Transient Ischemic Attack (“Mini Stroke”)

Cause: Temporary blockage in the brain.

Symptoms: Same as stroke — BUT symptoms disappear within 24 hours.

⚠️ Warning: TIA is NOT harmless.

40% of TIA patients develop a major stroke later.

What to Do:

✔ Treat it as an emergency — go to hospital even if symptoms go away.

✔ Doctor will run tests (CT/MRI, ECG, blood tests).

✔ Start preventive treatment (BP control, diabetes control, lifestyle changes, medications).

⏱️ Remember the FAST Rule

F – Face: Is one side drooping?

A – Arm: Can they lift both arms?

S – Speech: Slurred speech?

T – Time: Call emergency services IMMEDIATELY.

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For post-stroke care, physiotherapy, nursing care, and urgent home support — CareOn provides verified healthcare professionals at your doorstep.

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