A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when bleeding occurs inside the brain.
Symptoms often start suddenly and may include facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, slurred speech, loss of balance, confusion, or sudden loss of vision.
Imaging helps immediately because doctors need to know whether the stroke is caused by a blocked vessel or bleeding before treatment decisions are made.
CT and MRI help distinguish ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke and may show vessel blockage or brain tissue at risk.
Treatment depends on the type and timing of stroke and may include emergency clot treatment, blood pressure control, procedures, rehabilitation, and long-term prevention.
This entry explains the condition. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
