Understanding Stroke & TIA

Ischemic Stroke
Blocked blood flow

An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot or other blockage interrupts blood flow to part of the brain. Without adequate blood flow, brain cells can become injured and die within minutes.

Stroke and TIA occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Understanding the difference between the types of stroke—and why a TIA matters—can help patients and families recognize the importance of prompt evaluation and treatment.

Hemorrhagic Stroke
Bleeding in the brain

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in or around the brain. The bleeding can damage brain tissue and increase pressure withinqw

A TIA is still an emergency.

Even when symptoms disappear, do not wait to see if they return. New stroke-like symptoms should be evaluated urgently because they may signal an increased risk of stroke.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Warning Sign

A TIA causes temporary stroke-like symptoms due to a brief disruption of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms may completely resolve, but a TIA is a warning sign that requires urgent medical evaluation.

Blood Pressure & Vascular Health

High blood pressure is a major stroke risk factor. High cholesterol, diabetes, and disease affecting the blood vessels can also increase risk.

Smoking, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and excessive alcohol use can contribute to stroke risk. Addressing these factors can support both brain and cardiovascular health.

Lifestyle Factors

Heart Health

Factors You Cannot Change

Atrial fibrillation and certain other heart conditions can increase the chance of blood clots forming and traveling to the brain.

Risk generally increases with age. Family history, genetics, and having had a previous stroke or TIA can also affect a person's risk.

Risk Factors for Stroke & TIA

Focus on what you can control.

You cannot change every stroke risk factor, but managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, heart conditions, and other modifiable risks can make an important differenc

How Stroke & TIA Are Evaluated

1. Neurological Examination

Assessing symptoms and brain function

The healthcare team evaluates strength, sensation, speech, vision, coordination, balance, and other neurological functions. The time symptoms began—or the last time the person was known to be well—is especially important.

When stroke or TIA is suspected, evaluation begins quickly. The healthcare team works to determine what happened, identify the type and possible cause, and decide which treatments may be appropriate.

3. Blood & Heart Testing

Looking for possible causes and risk factors

Blood tests may evaluate glucose, blood counts, clotting, cholesterol, and other factors. An ECG and heart monitoring may be used to look for abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.

2. Brain Imaging

Looking for bleeding or brain injury

A CT scan is commonly performed first to look for bleeding and other abnormalities. MRI may provide additional detail and can help identify areas of brain injury.

4. Blood Vessel Imaging

Evaluating blood flow to the brain

CTA, MRA, carotid ultrasound, or other vascular imaging may be used to look for narrowed or blocked arteries and other blood-vessel abnormalities.

Ischemic Stroke

Restoring blood flow

Some patients with ischemic stroke may be eligible for clot-dissolving medication when treatment can be given within an appropriate time window and other criteria are met.

For certain large-vessel blockages, a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy may be used to remove the clot. Eligibility depends on factors including symptoms, timing, and brain and blood-vessel imaging.

Treatment After Stroke & TIA

Treatment depends on the type of stroke, when symptoms began, imaging results, and the individual patient's medical history. In an acute stroke, the healthcare team works quickly to restore or protect blood flow, control bleeding when present, and prevent further brain injury.

TIA & Secondary Prevention

Preventing a future stroke

TIA symptoms resolve, but the underlying cause still needs urgent evaluation. Treatment may include antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication when appropriate, cholesterol and blood-pressure management, treatment of heart rhythm problems, and addressing narrowed blood vessels or other risk factors.

Stroke treatment is individualized.

Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. Treatment decisions are based on the type of stroke, symptom onset, imaging findings, medications, medical history, and other clinical factors.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Controlling bleeding and pressure

Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding, managing blood pressure, reversing certain blood-thinning medications when appropriate, and monitoring pressure or swelling in the brain.

Some patients may require a procedure or surgery depending on the location, cause, and severity of the bleeding.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery after a stroke is different for every person. Rehabilitation can help patients regain abilities, learn new ways to complete everyday activities, and build confidence and independence. Recovery may continue for months or longer.

1. Physical Therapy

Strength, balance & mobility

Physical therapy can help improve strength, balance, coordination, walking, and mobility. Therapists may also recommend exercises or assistive devices to improve safety and independence.

2. Occupational Therapy

Everyday activities & independence

Occupational therapy focuses on skills needed for daily life, such as dressing, bathing, preparing meals, using the hands and arms, and safely returning to home, work, or community activities.

3. Speech & Cognitive Therapy

Communication, thinking & swallowing

Speech-language therapy may address speech, language, memory, attention, problem-solving, and swallowing difficulties that can occur after a stroke.

4. Emotional & Family Support

Adjusting to life after stroke

Fatigue, frustration, anxiety, depression, and emotional changes can occur during recovery. Support from family, rehabilitation professionals, and the healthcare team can be an important part of healing.

Recovery doesn't follow a single timeline.

Some abilities may improve quickly, while others take more time. Consistent rehabilitation, follow-up care, and practicing recommended activities can help patients work toward their individual recovery goals.

1. Know Your Numbers
Blood pressure • cholesterol • blood sugar

Keep track of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar as recommended. Managing these conditions is an important part of protecting your brain and blood vessels.

3. Protect Your Heart

Heart rhythm matters

Conditions such as atrial fibrillation can increase stroke risk. Follow recommendations for heart monitoring, medications, and treatment when a heart condition is identified.

2. Take Medications as Prescribed

Stay consistent with your treatment plan

Medications may be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots, manage cholesterol or blood pressure, or treat other conditions. Do not stop or change these medications without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

4. Build Brain-Healthy Habits

Small changes can add up

Stay physically active as recommended, choose a heart-healthy eating pattern, avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, maintain follow-up appointments, and work toward healthy sleep and weight goals.

Secondary Stroke Prevention

Having a stroke or TIA can increase the risk of another event. Many risk factors can be treated or managed. Working with your healthcare team and following your prevention plan can help lower that risk.

Your prevention plan is personal.

The cause of a previous stroke or TIA helps determine which prevention strategies are most important. Keep follow-up appointments and make sure you understand your medications, treatment goals, and individual risk factors.

When to Call 911

Stroke Symptoms Are an Emergency

Call 911 immediately if you or someone around you develops sudden signs or symptoms of stroke—even if the symptoms improve or completely disappear.

Remember: BE FAST

Balance • Eyes • Face • Arm • Speech • Time

TIME = CALL 911

Note when the symptoms began or the last time the person was known to be well. Do not delay emergency care while waiting to see whether symptoms improve.

Sudden Neurological Changes
New facial drooping, weakness or numbness—especially on one side—difficulty speaking or understanding, sudden confusion, or difficulty walking.

Sudden Vision or Balance Problems
New loss or change in vision, severe dizziness, loss of coordination, or sudden difficulty maintaining balance.

Symptoms That Go Away
Do not ignore symptoms because they lasted only a few minutes. Temporary stroke-like symptoms may represent a TIA and still require urgent evaluation.