A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without oxygen, brain cells start to die within minutes. Stroke can cause lasting disability or death, but fast treatment saves lives and brain function, and most strokes can be prevented.
This guide explains the warning signs to act on immediately, the causes and risk factors, and how to lower your risk.
Warning signs of stroke: BE FAST
Use BE FAST to spot a stroke:
- B – Balance: sudden loss of balance, dizziness or trouble walking
- E – Eyes: sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- F – Face: one side of the face droops. Ask the person to smile
- A – Arms: weakness or numbness in one arm or leg. Ask them to raise both arms; one may drift down
- S – Speech: slurred speech, confusion or trouble understanding
- T – Time: get to a hospital immediately
A sudden, severe headache with no known cause can also be a sign of stroke, especially a bleeding stroke.
What to do if you think someone is having a stroke
- Get them to a hospital with emergency care right away. Treatment works best within the first few hours. Call ahead if you can.
- Note the time symptoms started. Doctors need this to decide on treatment.
- Do not give food, drink or medicine, including aspirin or herbal remedies. Swallowing may be affected, and some strokes are caused by bleeding.
- Do not wait to see if symptoms pass. Even if they go away within minutes, it may be a “mini-stroke” (transient ischaemic attack), a warning that a major stroke may follow.
Types of stroke
- Ischaemic stroke: a blood clot or narrowed artery blocks blood flow to the brain. This is the most common type.
- Haemorrhagic stroke: a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds. It is often linked to very high blood pressure.
- Transient ischaemic attack (TIA): a temporary blockage with symptoms that resolve, usually within an hour. It needs urgent medical review.
Causes and risk factors
Risks you can control:
- High blood pressure: the single biggest risk factor for stroke. Read what you should know about hypertension
- Diabetes. See diabetes in Nigeria
- High cholesterol
- Smoking and heavy drinking
- Being overweight and physically inactive
- An unhealthy diet high in salt and fat
- Some heart conditions, such as an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
Risks you can’t change:
- Age: the risk rises after 45, though strokes can happen at any age
- Family history of stroke
- Sickle cell disease, which can cause strokes even in children. Read about sickle cell disease
- A previous stroke or TIA
How to prevent a stroke
- Know and control your blood pressure. Check it at least once a year, and take your medicine every day if prescribed. Never stop it without speaking to your doctor.
- Manage diabetes and cholesterol with your doctor’s help.
- Eat less salt and more fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
- Be active for at least 150 minutes a week.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol. See why you should stop smoking.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Get regular check-ups, especially from your 40s or if stroke, hypertension or diabetes runs in your family.
Recovery after a stroke
Recovery depends on the type of stroke, the part of the brain affected and how quickly treatment started. Many people improve with rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Preventing a second stroke means controlling the risk factors above and taking prescribed medicines.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of a stroke?
Sudden face drooping, arm or leg weakness, slurred speech, loss of balance or vision, or a sudden severe headache. Act immediately.
Can a stroke be prevented?
Most strokes are linked to risk factors that can be controlled, especially high blood pressure. Managing these greatly lowers your risk.
Can young people have a stroke?
Yes. Strokes are more common with age, but they can happen to young adults and even children, particularly with sickle cell disease, high blood pressure or heart problems.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital immediately.
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