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Understanding Stroke: When Every Minute Counts

  • orlithau
  • Apr 16, 2025
  • 2 min read

Every 40 seconds, someone in the US suffers a stroke [1]. Despite being the fifth leading cause of death, many people don't understand what stroke is or how to spot one. This knowledge gap can cost precious minutes—and with stroke, time is brain.


What Is a Stroke?

Simply put, a stroke is a "brain attack." It happens when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes [2]. When these cells die, abilities they control—like speech, movement, and memory—can be lost.


Think of your brain as a garden that needs constant watering. A stroke is like a blockage in the watering system—parts quickly wither without water. The longer the flow stops, the more permanent the damage.


Two Main Types of Stroke

Ischemic Stroke (87% of cases) A blood clot blocks an artery to the brain, like a clogged pipe stopping water flow. These clots typically form where blood vessels have narrowed due to fatty deposits [3].

Hemorrhagic Stroke (13% of cases) A blood vessel bursts, leaking blood into brain tissue. This is like a burst pipe flooding an area. The bleeding creates pressure and damages brain cells [1].

A "mini-stroke" or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) occurs when symptoms appear briefly then resolve. While no permanent damage occurs, a TIA is a serious warning sign [4].


Spotting a Stroke: Remember FAST

Face drooping

Arm weakness

Speech difficulty

Time to call 911


Additional warning signs include sudden:

  • Severe headache

  • Vision problems

  • Confusion

  • Trouble walking or dizziness

This FAST acronym was developed to help people remember the most common stroke symptoms and is promoted by stroke organizations worldwide [5].


Why Minutes Matter

During a stroke, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute [6]. Faster treatment means better recovery chances. The saying is "time is brain"—every minute matters.

For ischemic strokes, clot-busting medications must be given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Mechanical clot removal has a slightly longer window but is still time-sensitive [1].

Knowing the signs of stroke isn't just helpful—it could save a life or prevent serious disability. Recognizing symptoms and acting quickly gives stroke victims their best chance at recovery.


References

[1] American Stroke Association. (2023). About Stroke. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke

[2] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024). Stroke Information Page. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/stroke

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Stroke Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm

[5] World Stroke Organization. (2024). World Stroke Campaign. https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign

[6] Saver, J. L. (2006). Time is brain—quantified. Stroke, 37(1), 263-266.

 

 
 
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