A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This can be due to a blockage of a blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).

When the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, brain cells can die within minutes, leading to brain damage and potentially severe disability or even death. Common symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, and severe headache.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as early treatment can greatly improve the chances of a good outcome.

1. Call emergency services: If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating a stroke, so the faster medical attention is received, the better the outcome.
2. Diagnose the type of stroke: Doctors will perform tests such as CT scans or MRI scans to determine the type of stroke, which will inform the course of treatment.
3. Ischemic stroke treatment: For ischemic strokes, doctors may administer medications such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain. In some cases, doctors may perform a mechanical thrombectomy to physically remove the clot through aspiration or by using a specialized device called stent retriever.

It is important to note that preventing a stroke is always the best course of action. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.